Laces by Alana Tatter ~ The Tatting Gallery

Valentine's Day Giveaway

2012-02-14T20:16:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

In honor of the day, I'm giving away this lovely pair of pink linen earrings that have been embellished with purple teardrop glass beads. They are suspended from silver filled ear wires (remember the other Etsy store?), and hang a generous three inches from the top of the hook.

The winner will be chosen on Saturday, February 25th, at 8:00 am.

To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment and include your e-mail address (if you would prefer that it not be published, I will be happy to edit your comment before publishing!), or, for two chances to win, 'Like' my Facebook page and then leave me a comment letting me know!

Regarding this week's promises - I must apologize for not getting that out yesterday. We had a minor family emergency over the weekend, but I'm very happy to report that everyone is home now and doing well. The Lord's mercies are overwhelming!

And the Lord said, "I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows..."

Exodus 3:7

No matter what season of life you are enjoying or enduring, it is such a comfort to know that the Lord Jesus does hear the cries of His people, and He not only cares, but is able to deliver us from the troubles! The God who rescued His people from the greatest nation on earth at the time has the same power today. Take heart!

Blessings!

~Alana

Featured Gallery: The Black Rooster

2012-02-09T20:00:00.000-05:00

Restaurant, Lounge and Art Gallery inside the Historic General Francis Marion Hotel.

Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackroosterva?sk=wall

This is a really nice, classy, uptown place to go for a nice meal or just to hang out for a bit! Located conveniently in historic downtown Marion, Virginia, the Black Rooster is beautifully decorated and makes a very interesting stop.

[And, of course, they carry a nice selection of my tatted jewelry. :)]

Blessings!
~Alana

New Photo Tecniques and Sweet Promises

2012-02-06T19:48:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday my extremely talented and very nice brother taught me how to take more visually interesting pictures. The first three photos are some I took before the lesson; the last three are during/after the lesson.

Do you think it helped?

This week's promise is found in Isaiah, chapter 41, verse 10

Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not anxiously look about, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

How difficult it is to obey this verse! It is impossible if we rely on our own strength, but with God, all things are possible. He has done so much for us, and the way He has told us that we may show our appreciation is to obey Him and honor Him, and He has promised to help us!

Blessings!

~Alana

Western Earring Designs

2012-02-01T09:47:00.000-05:00

Dancing Ladies in silver and Swarovski crystals

My Heart belongs in the West - silver thread and Swarovski crystals

The turquoise beads just didn't have the pizazz that I was looking for, hence the crystals. These pictures are just a little overexposed, but I'll try to get more today so you can see the contrast better.

What do you think? Should I try to make more jewelry like this, or stick to other designs?

Blessings,

~Alana

An Encouraging Thought

2012-01-30T10:05:00.000-05:00

In light of the fact that many people I know have lost relatives and friends recently, it seemed an appropriate time to remember what the Lord through His word has said happens to a person at death.

"So where's the encouraging thought?" I hear you ask. It is a good question, but humor me for a minute, please.

The soul cannot die or sleep. He (or she) immediately returns to God, because the soul is of immortal substance.

The souls of believers are at once made perfect in holiness, and are received into Heaven where they behold the face of God.

However, the souls of those who refused the free offer of the gospel during their lives on this earth are cast into Hell, where they remain in agony and total darkness, awaiting the Judgement Day.

The Bible tells us of no other place for souls separated from their bodies.

At the last day, those still alive will not die, but they will be changed, and the souls all the people who have ever lived will be reunited with their bodies.

The Almighty, True, and Living God makes no mistakes. He alone knows the hearts of men, and He will not cast any away who call on Jesus in faith and repentance. (John 6:37)

So, the encouraging though is that nothing that happens to a body after death has any effect on the soul. The soul doesn't hang around here in limbo. Our feelings have no effect on the actual state of anyone's soul!
And, there can be no such thing as ghosts.

Now, wasn't that worth waiting for?

Blessings,

~Alana

A Thrilling Announcement:

2012-01-28T21:38:00.003-05:00

Ear-wires for Laces by Alana Tatter are now being made by...

The Kiawah Collection ladies!

This is a mother-daughter team who design and produce wire wrapped jewelry.

You can visit their facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/kiawahcollection

And their Etsy shop here:

http://www.mildbunch.etsy.com

I am looking forward to showcasing their lovely ear-wires on my new earring designs! And, of course, anyone who purchases earrings from me will be supporting two Etsy shops, which is really quite nice when you think about it. :)

Still more earrings and another look at the crown

2012-01-24T19:32:00.000-05:00

The first two pairs of earrings in my Southwestern Collection! Silver and Turquoise; how can a western girl go wrong?

The Swedish Wedding Crown

I'm still trying to figure out how to stiffen it properly, so any ideas would be welcomed!

There is a Swarovski crystal dangling in the center of each diamond, and over 100 tiny glass seed beads so that the crown sparkles beautifully.

Blessings!

~Alana

Life?

2012-01-23T21:52:00.000-05:00

This week is the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. In these years, approximately 54 million children have been systematically exterminated because they were "inconvenient."

That is a greater number of people than Hitler murdered.

How can we close our eyes any longer? How long will we ignore the horrible death-style that our culture is embracing?

Romans 6:1

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace might increase? May in never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?

Shall we continue this?

~Alana

More earrings~

2012-01-20T12:56:00.000-05:00

Hot Pink and Black 'Dancing Ladies'

Delicate Black 'Dancing Ladies'

Bluebell 'Dancing Ladies'

Coming to the shop soon!

Music - another off topic post!

2012-01-19T20:36:00.001-05:00

Music.

It is fascinating to think about how these vibrating air waves can either set our teeth on edge or sooth the soul.

Perplexed Music

EXPERIENCE, like a pale musician, holds
A dulcimer of patience in his hand,
Whence harmonies, we cannot understand,
Of God; will in his worlds, the strain unfolds
In sad-perplexed minors: deathly colds
Fall on us while we hear, and countermand
Our sanguine heart back from the fancyland
With nightingales in visionary wolds.
We murmur ' Where is any certain tune
Or measured music in such notes as these ? '
But angels, leaning from the golden seat,
Are not so minded their fine ear hath won
The issue of completed cadences,
And, smiling down the stars, they whisper--
SWEET.

~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

When I work, I find myself listening to classical crossover, classical, and some movie soundtrack and other instrumental thrown in for good measure.
Of course, tatting also happens during audio books (LibriVox is great for those!), and bonnet drama movies.

What do you like to listen to?

(More pictures of tatting coming tomorrow, Lord willing!)

Blessings,

~Alana

Today I discovered...

2012-01-16T23:24:00.003-05:00

... the collage setting on Picasa!

These are a few of my projects over the last couple of years. Most of them can be found on Etsy, but some are at the Historic Crab Orchard Museum in Tazewell, some are at The Black Rooster Gallery in Marion, and some haven't been posted anywhere yet. If you see anything that strikes your fancy, let me know and I'll tell you where it went!

And for this week's promise from Scripture:

Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice? ..... "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discreiton. The fear (respect) of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverted mouth I hate."
Proverbs 8:1, 12-13

The promise in these verses is that God does call to those who are wandering, and He gives wisdom to those who ask Him. It is as simple as that.

(This passage always makes me think of 'The Wandering Kind' by Josh Groban...)

Blessings!
~Alana Tatter

Information for those of you travelling...

2012-01-14T08:39:00.000-05:00

If you are heading through Southwest Virginia anytime soon, you might be interested in having tea at Fort Bastian's Victorian Emporium!

The Victorian Emporium will offer High Tea, locally produced arts and crafts to peruse, plus a hair salon all in one convenient location just off the Bastian exit (58) on I77.
(Yes, some of my pieces will be available there!)

Victorian Emporium: Olde English Tea Shoppe and Craft Mall

Opening February 1st, 2012

Located in the Bastian Shopping Center next to Pizza Plus.

12235 Grapefield Road Bastian, VA 24314

Blessings,

Alana Tatter

Earrings and a hint at what is to come...

2012-01-12T21:44:00.000-05:00

Black "Dancing Ladies" lace earrings

And just in time for Valentines' Day:

Musings on a rainy Monday morning...

2012-01-09T11:35:00.001-05:00

The Lord looks from heaven;

He sees all the sons of men'

From His dwelling place He looks out

On all the inhabitants of the earth,

He who fashions the hearts of them all,

He who understands all their works.

The king is not saved by a mighty army;

A warrior is not delivered by great strength.

A horse is a false hope for victory;

Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

Psalm 33:13-17

This week I'm going to be offline a good bit. Many sewing projects call my name! Lord willing, I'll be able to get about six vests finished this week, along with a new earring design and pendant.

(Pictures coming soon!)

The weather here has been extremely mild, for winter. I have enjoyed the Lord's kindness in providing warmer temperatures. Snow will come in His good timing, and I'm content to wait.

Blessings!

~Alana

This week...

2012-01-06T21:57:00.000-05:00

... has been difficult. We've attended two funerals, and although both men were professing Christians, it is just so hard to let loved ones go. The reality is that we do not grieve as the heathen who have no hope.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written," Death is swallowed up in victory."

"O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?"

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:54-58

Sin is the reason that death is in the world.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned...

Romans 5:12

But we have hope in Christ because of His free gift:

But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, about to the many.

Romans 5:15

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

A New Year's Resolution and pictures of Recent Tatting

2012-01-02T11:37:00.000-05:00

This new year, it is important to remember the goodness of God, even and especially during difficult times. In light of this, I plan to post one of the promises of God each week, to remeind myself to meditate on His word and providence.

This week's promise to remember:

Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good;
A stronghold in the day of trouble,
And He knows those who take refuge in Him.

Nahum wrote to admonish the Assyrian city of Nineveh about 100 years after Jonah preached there. The people did not remember the Lord, and refused to return to Him, and He destroyed them for their sin.
This verse reminds us that God takes care of His people, even in the midst of destruction.

A royal blue necklace with a heart design in the center.

It was embellished with a large clear Swarovski crystal.

A Wreath ornament that I made up the other day. It uses Split Rings!

Black Lace Collar - coming soon to the shop!

It is frilly.

And dramatic.

I'm still trying to decide how to finish it off. Should I weave a ribbon through it? Or add a clasp to the ends? Or leave it plain

so it can be sewn onto a blouse or dress? What do you think?

A rather off topic post...

2011-12-31T12:54:00.000-05:00

about Coffee!

My stepsister kindly gave me three lovely bags of flavored Millstone coffee for Christmas!

It was so thoughtful of her because I really enjoy my morning java. Or afternoon java. Or coffee anytime, really.

Coffee is one of God's gifts!

Happy New Year!

Treasury Alert!

2011-12-29T09:47:00.001-05:00

This necklace was featured yesterday in a lovely Basic Black Treasury on Etsy.

Basic Black for you and your Home

On a side note, Etsy's treasuries are so much fun! They are easy to make and to view, and so many pretty things are promoted for everyone to see.
(Viewers should be aware that some treasuries contain graphic content. This treasury does not, however, and I will not post links to any that do.)

Blessings!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T10:38:00.001-05:00

The winner of this week's give away is:

Jones!

As always, please e-mail me with your address at alanatatter (at) gmail (dot) com.

Merry Christmas! May we all remember that Jesus Christ came to earth to live a sinless life so that all His own might believe on Him and be saved.

Have you met...

2011-12-23T10:13:00.000-05:00

Pinterest?

It is a fun site where one can "pin" pictures and links to interesting sites. I like pinning inspiration for my designs and, on another board, what outfits might go well with my designs!

Blessings!

Winter Star Necklace

2011-12-20T23:15:00.000-05:00

This pretty sparkle is in the shop now! View it here.

What do you think?

Preparing for Christmas...

2011-12-20T09:21:00.004-05:00

Preparing for Christmas is always a lot of fun. It is so exciting to pray about and plan what to give family and friends during this special time of year, but the whole point is to remember when we were given the greatest gift of all time:

the only begotten Son of God took to Himself a true body and a reasonable soul, so that He could be the only Mediator between God and man.

Isn't this a comforting thought to remember whenever we are tempted to despair? And this season can be so difficult for singles struggling with the right way to handle their gift, or the recently bereaved.

Jesus Christ came to earth in order to save His people from their sins. He lived a sinless life and died on the cross so that He could give us the gift, not only of a clean heart as if we'd never sinned, but also His righteousness so that it is as if we always obeyed properly!

How could we ask for a better gift than that?

Merry Christmas, everyone!

This week's Give Away - Your Choice Christmas Necklace!

2011-12-19T17:19:00.000-05:00

This week I was trying so hard to figure out how this necklace should be embellished: pearl in the center of the heart with sheer off-white ribbons to tie? Green crystals scattered along the top? Black ribbon ties? So many choices!

And then it hit me: the winner should choose the design!

So the pictures are your choices.

The crystals are (clockwise from top): large dark red Swarovski, tiny black Swarovski, large teal Swarovski, large grey Swarovski, large peach pearl, small pearl, black pearl, 3 green glass beads, tiny clear teardrop, large clear Swarovski, tiny AB Swarovski, and tiny red Swarovski. There are three ribbon choices: sheer off-white, black grosgrain, and sheer red.

To enter this give-away, please leave a comment telling me how you would prefer the necklace to be embellished if you should win!

The winner will be announced Christmas Eve.

Blessings!

A Flurry of Snowflakes

2011-12-19T09:43:00.000-05:00

No snow on the ground this morning, but quite a flurry in my window!

Several variations on the same pattern...

...in various thread sizes.

Winner of this week's Giveaway

2011-12-17T08:40:00.000-05:00

Drumroll, please!

And the winner is....

Sharon D.! Congratulations!

New necklace in the shop this evening...

2011-12-14T21:51:00.001-05:00

A very fashionable net lace statement necklace - just in time for 2012! Check it out here.

Have a blessed day!

Thoughts for the Week and Giveaway (closed)

2011-12-12T09:56:00.001-05:00

Steadfastness:

holding on.

Patience:

holding back.

Expectancy:

holding the head up.

Obedience:

holding self in readiness to go or do.

Listening:

holding quiet and still so as to hear.

This week, am I living in obedience to Christ by living for Him? This is the goal of my life. I cannot do it on my own. My strength is entirely insufficient for this task. However, it is so very comforting to remember that He who began a good work in us will not abandon it before He has completed it!

Here is the giveaway this week! The necklace/headband is embellished with Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls. As usual, I'll announce the winner Saturday!

To enter, please leave a comment and if you have a blog, post a link to my giveaway!

Blessings!

Announcing the Winner!

2011-12-10T08:26:00.001-05:00

The winner of this week's giveaway is.......

Persuaded!

Thanks for participating!

Persuaded, please e-mail me at alanatatter (at) gmail.com with your address and I'll get the earrings shipped out to you!

As far as our family's Christmas traditions, we put up the tree sometime after Thanksgiving and open presents with extended family one Saturday in December. Christmas is a time of rejoicing in the memory of the birth of the King of kings and Lord of lords who humbled Himself and was born of a virgin, lived the perfect sinless life, and died on the cross, so that all who believe in Him might be made right in the sight of God, both by the cleansing of their sins and the imputation of His righteousness upon us.

Persuaded's Christmas traditions: "As far as our holiday preparations, this year we are doing the Truth in the Tinsel advent activities. So far so good!

It is truly a wonderful time of the year!

This week's project update...

2011-12-09T07:29:00.001-05:00

A snowflake. I think I made up the pattern, but it might merely be a modification of someone's pattern!

A fabric flower that will probably end up on a headband or choker. It is ecru and measures about 3 inches across.

This beauty is the tatted crown I've been working on for a while. It has a lot of sparkle and I think that the matte white thread provides a nice contrast to the glitter of the beads.

As a quick reminder, the giveaway this week ends tomorrow!

Blessings!

Chicken Taco Recipe

2011-12-07T16:12:00.000-05:00

A friend gave us this recipe the other day, and it sounded so good that I just had to try it for supper! Chicken tacos are an easy, fast way to get supper on the table with a minimum of fuss. I just put one package frozen chicken tenderloins (about 1 1/2 lbs) into the crock pot with around 3 T. taco seasoning and half of a jar of salsa (I think it was 12 oz).

Cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, then shred the meat with two forks. Add a large can refried beans (28 oz) and mix well. Cover and heat through. Serve on soft taco shells with more salsa and sour cream, if desired. This recipe yielded around 8 servings!

Blessings!

My Purpose:

2011-12-06T09:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I read several blogs which encouraged me to answer a few questions regarding my purpose in life, and why I have an online business.

Really, it is all about helping people - honoring the Lord by meeting your needs! I love to create custom necklaces because everyone is unique, so everyone ends up with a slightly different piece of jewelry! Even if I make two necklaces (or twelve) from the same pattern, each one is unique because I am not perfect. Each necklace will have minor differences which give it a character all its own. Remember, two people may look similar, but have very different personalities!

My purpose in bloggig and being on Facebook is to help others become aware of my Etsy store and encourage modest ladies by providing beautiful jewelry and lace trims. This may sound trivial, but sometimes just putting on a pretty necklace can change the way a lady feels. :)

The purpose of my blog is NOT to make anyone discontent with their own lot in life, but rather to encourage each one who visits to contentment and industry for the glory of God where He has planted you!

Blessings!

New Giveaway (closed)

2011-12-05T09:29:00.001-05:00

Hello! It was such a beautiful Lord's day yesterday. The sermon reminded us how important it is to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and to seek to serve others wholeheartedly where the Lord has placed us. It was needful and a sweet reminder of Jesus' kindness to His people.

Giveaways are so much fun for me, that I've decided to have one every week from now until Christmas! If you've entered and didn't win, please feel free to try again the next week. If you won, please don't enter another giveaway on my blog for a month. This gives others a chance to win too!

This week's giveaway is for a pair of black tatted earrings with gold beads in the center!

To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment telling us how your family gets ready for Christmas. I'll post my family's traditions at the end of the week, along with highlights from your comments!

And The Winner Is...

2011-12-03T20:04:00.001-05:00

Tattabugg!

Congratulations, Tattabugg! Please e-mail me with your address at alanatatter (at) gmail.com.

Thank you all for participating! Please try again next week!

Outdoor Christmas Decorations

2011-12-01T20:54:00.001-05:00

Even though it is only the first of December, I am in the mood for Christmas decorations! It must have to do with the snow the Lord gave us yesterday. :)

We have many holly trees on our farm, so it seemed a logical conclusion to decorate our upper gate with a huge holly wreath! It is just tied on with twine, but I think it gives the place a festive look. And best of all, the sheep won't try to eat it! (That is always a consideration with sheep!)

Have you started decorating for Christmas yet, or do you think it is too early?

Works in Progress

2011-11-28T22:59:00.001-05:00

This evening I'm giving you a sneak peek at what is going on in my workshop! These are several works in progress that, Lord willing, I'll enter later this week in an event.

I think the necklace above needs something. What do you think? Pearls, maybe?

I call this one 'Lady Dedlock' from Charles Dickens' Bleak House. It reminds me of her dark outlook on life.

A pair of earrings - now to decide between pearls and crystals in the centers, and rose gold or sterling silver ear wires!

This was a large motif that I shrank. Not sure how this will fit in, but it was fun to make.

And the best for last! This one will have lots of sparkle in Swarovski crystals, besides satin ribbon ties.

I'll post finished pictures later!

Giveaway the week after Thanksgiving...(closed)

2011-11-28T09:07:00.001-05:00

Hello! I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. This week I'm giving away a necklace with lots of glass pearls and a magnetic clasp. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment telling me what you are making for supper tonight! I'll draw the winning entry Saturday morning.

Happy Cyber Monday, everyone!

And the winner of the Thanksgiving Giveaway is...

2011-11-26T19:02:00.001-05:00

...Beelizabeth!

To claim your necklace, please e-mail me at alanatatter (at) gmail. com

Thanks for joining in the giveaway this week. Tune in again Monday to see what I'm giving away next week!

Have a blessed weekend!

Just in time for Christmas...

2011-11-25T18:58:00.001-05:00

...I decide to make my life more complicated! Now I can be found on Facebook, as well.

Laces By Alana Tatter

On a different topic, the Lord richly blessed Thanksgiving in our family. It was a sweet time of fellowship and enjoying the blessing of good food! Our menu this year included:
- Dry-brine Turkey (20 lbs!)
-15 lbs mashed potatoes
-2 spiral cut hams
-my personal version of Green Bean Casserole.

Green Bean Casserole
3 (15 oz) cans french style green beans, drained
1 small can mushroom pieces, undrained (sorry, I don't remember the can size!)
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup butter, divided
1 cup evaporated milk
1 large onion, sliced very thinly
1 T. garlic powder
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. salt

In a small frying pan, melt 1/4 butter. Saute the onion slices over medium high heat until lightly browned and drain. Reserve for topping.
In a large saucepan melt 1/4 cup butter. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add evaporated milk and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust seasonings. In a 2 quart casserole dish, dump green beans. Pour sauce over and stir to coat. Arrange fried onions on top. Bake at 350* for 25 minutes.

Have a lovely weekend!

The Black Friday - Cyber Monday Giveaway Necklace! (closed)

2011-11-23T09:43:00.001-05:00

This year, everyone who buys from my shop during Black Friday - Cyber Monday gets a chance to win this necklace!

We're having a big family get together today and tomorrow, so if I don't get your comments posted in a timely manner, I am sorry!

Happy Thanksgiving, and happy shopping!

Thanksgiving Giveaway! (closed)

2011-11-21T09:21:00.001-05:00

As everyone is so busy this week preparing for the holiday of Thanksgiving, perhaps it is wise to take time to remember the Giver of all

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever.

~ Psalm 136:1

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

~John 14:6

In order to have a chance to win this lovely cotton necklace with bead weaving, please post a comment telling why Thanksgiving is special in your family!

And the winner is....

2011-11-19T10:30:00.001-05:00

Drumroll, please!

The winner of my first giveaway is:

Stacey!

Congratulations! Please send me an e-mail at alanatatter(at)gmail.com with your address and ear wire preferences, and I'll get your earrings shipped out Monday!

For everyone else, you will have another chance next week, so tune in Monday to see which necklace I'm giving away!

Have a blessed weekend.

In the shop now...

2011-11-17T11:03:00.001-05:00

Visions of Spring! Okay, it is a little early, but somehow this one just came together recently. You can see more of it here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/86377804/visions-of-spring-tatted-lace-necklace.

Sneak preview: Over the weekend of Black Friday-Cyber Monday, I'll be offering free shipping to the US, plus, the following Tuesday I'll be raffling off one necklace from my shop! In order to get a raffle ticket, all you have to do is purchase one item from the shop that weekend. So you get free shipping AND a chance at a free item.

Have a blessed day! If you are on the eastern seaboard, you might be enjoying a dusting of snow today!

A necklace for a wedding....

2011-11-16T21:03:00.001-05:00

Last April one of my favorite necklaces on Etsy was purchased by this lovely young lady to wear on her wedding day! With her permission, I'm posting this picture of her wearing the necklace on the special day. Isn't her wedding gown stunning? And the bright spring flowers just go so well.

Remember, the drawing for the free earrings is coming up on Saturday, and since this has been so much fun, I'm considering doing another one next week - perhaps a necklace?

Thanks for looking!

Round The Mountain

2011-11-15T19:58:00.001-05:00

This week I'll be taking some of the suggestions I've been getting (thanks everyone!) and making new designs for the shop.
Meanwhile, you might enjoy looking at this website; the group of artisans from the Southwest Virginia area are varied in their interests and tastes.

http://www.roundthemountain.org/index.php

Have a blessed day!

Name Change and My First Giveaway! (closed)

2011-11-14T09:31:00.001-05:00

Well, after much thinking and praying, I've changed my Etsy store name. My work can now be found at www.LacesByAlanaTatter.etsy.com. My new focus is on custom wedding laces and jewelry. To mark this transition, I am starting a giveaway! Post a comment on this message telling me what you would like to see in my store before Christmas, and I will choose a random comment this Saturday, November 19th!

The earrings are white cotton thread, have glass pearls in the center of each heart, and the ear wires are rose gold plated. If you'd prefer sterling silver plated, please let me know in your comment!

Thanks for looking, and have a great week!

Sheep 2010

2010-09-29T11:01:00.007-04:00

Hello everyone! Life has been really busy, but I wanted to show off my lambs this year! All of then were born in April, and several of them are very friendly. These are lambs that I have to sell and I would really like to see them go to good homes. If you are interested, please send me a convo through my etsy store: YourCrowningGlory. This is Paul. He is a pure Shetland wether lamb. His fleece is black at the tips and white mixed with a few dark strands further down. Next year he'll be almost white with a black face and legs.

This is Mark. He is a pure Shetland wether lamb. He is very black.
Goldilocks is 3/4 Shetland and has little tiny horns. She is white.
Elizabeth is 1/2 Shetland and 1/4 Suffolk and 1/4 Jacob. She is white with a freckled face and legs.

Above is Martha. She is 1/2 Shetland and 1/4 Suffolk and 1/4 Jacob. Her horns look very much like Jacob horns.

Thanks for looking, and have a nice day!

And yet more lamb pictures from last spring

2009-09-30T08:22:00.000-04:00

Lydia and her ewe lamb Mittens

Phoebe and her triplets, Flopsey, Mopsey, and Cottontail.

Rachel with her ram lamb, Tom.

Spring Lambs

2009-04-30T08:00:00.004-04:00

Last week one of our ewes had a ram lamb! Since her name is Beatrix, (as in Potter) his name is Peter (as in Rabbit). The Lord God is so kind to give us such blessings!

New Lace Jewelry Designs!

2009-04-28T21:22:00.004-04:00

The Burgundy necklace is one that I have had finished for a little while, but never got around to posting. It has lots of Swarovski crystals dangling from the lace, and shiny beads at the sides and back. The thread is actually embroidery floss, so the thread in this necklace is very soft.

The Green necklace was a gift for a friend. It was made with freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals.
Here are the matching earrings.

Another view of the necklace. My camera was acting up a bit, so the pictures aren't the best quality. Perhaps another time it will work better, Lord willing.

I've been Tagged!

2009-03-06T19:18:00.005-05:00

Miss Carey tagged me and here is the picture.

The rules are:

1. go to your documents/pictures.
2. go to your 5th file.
3. go to your 5th picture.
4. blog about it.
5. tag 5 people …...

This is a necklace that I made. It is currently for sale in my Etsy store. It is made with vintage bright yellow thread and new sheer ribbon. (The thread is almost neon yellow!) I had just enough thread on the shuttles for this project! It is very bright and cheerful. The picture is too dark. I tweaked it before putting it on Etsy. You can see the updated pictures here. I enjoyed making this necklace.

Now I tag:
Tattingchic
Carol Lawecki
Elizabeth's Tatted Lace
Timeless Trinkets
Autumn

Hair barrettes!

2008-10-24T11:48:00.004-04:00

Ecru lace barrette with earthtone glass beads - what a statement!
I really like the green one with the pearl beads on it.

These are perfect for a small updo or just getting your bangs out of your face (if they are long enough).
These are in the shop now!

Different Projects This Summer

2008-07-08T11:34:00.011-04:00

Some of the projects I've been working on this summer. Several were gifts, and some are in the shop now!

It has been a long time. . . .

2008-06-11T08:05:00.006-04:00

And I am sorry. A lot has been going on in my life recently. One brother is away for the summer, and it is hard to get used to him not being in the other room. Enough about that. Here are two necklaces that I just listed:

And here is a picture of a wedding/special occasion crown that I hope to list this week. It is made of silver metallic embroidery thread and has been embellished with AB Swarovski crystals. The circumference is about 12 inches, and the whole crown is fairly stiff.

Yet More Lamb Pictures!

2008-05-05T08:25:00.000-04:00

The Lord has richly blessed us with 16 lambs this spring!

Anna with her triplets.

Abigail with her Chocolate Bar.

Luch with Maud.

And Priscilla with Snickers and M&M.

It is so much fun to watch the lambs jump and play!

Dainty summer necklaces

2008-04-28T09:22:00.003-04:00

New necklaces in the shop!

2008-04-22T08:15:00.004-04:00

These are vintage lockets with the exception of the silver one above. All of them have been embellished with tatting; the silver and the pink cameos also have braided hair around them. In the shop now!

Finally - New Lambs!

2008-04-14T12:36:00.003-04:00

Here are Rachel and her two ewe lambs Annie and Alice.
And here is Phoebe with her triplets: John, Fanny, and Margaret! Praise the Lord, they are all healthy and doing well!

Homemade Bread!

2008-03-26T09:18:00.003-04:00

Here is a picture of a loaf of freshly baked bread that I made recently. It is in a plastic bag because I forgot to take a picture before I bagged it! Oh, well. . . .

New Interest in Flowers!

2008-03-20T21:12:00.003-04:00

Here is a sample of my new interest: designing miniature flower arraignments! The whole thing takes up less than 6 inches square, and gives me a chance to use some of the delicate wild flowers that grow around my house.

New Necklaces!

2008-03-18T22:37:00.008-04:00

Here are the necklaces/chokers I've listed in the shop tonight. I have enjoyed putting them together. Most of them have magnetic clasps - a new feature!

Miscellaneous tidbits about me and my life. . . .

2008-03-18T09:50:00.006-04:00

To the right is one of my brother's ewes with the lamb she had last spring.

To the left is the same ewe with the same lamb, just as a newborn! I was stunned to see the color change over the year.
We usually have lambs in April, so I don't have any lamb pictures to post this year yet.

Fresh and Bright Pendants

2008-03-18T09:33:00.005-04:00

Just in time for Spring! Here are a few of my new pendant designs in the shop now.

I am going to be attending and selling dresses and jewelry at a Civil War era reenactment in April, Lord willing, so I've been rather slow about getting all of these posted. Maybe I'll get pictures of those items posted soon!

Lots of Spring Earrings!

2008-03-14T22:55:00.014-04:00

Here are some earrings fresh for spring! I've recently posted all of these in the shop.

Fans, butterflies, pinks, pansies, roses, and all sorts of spring items.

My brother has been on spring break this week, so I've been pretty busy. Next week I hope to post more necklaces and earrings!

2008-02-29T13:30:00.007-05:00

Here is an assortment of the new items up in the shop.
Matching necklace and hairpin!
Just in time for Easter! Pendants to give your special outfit a new look!

New Hair Comb

2008-02-13T10:27:00.004-05:00

Ta Da! Here is a design that I have been contemplating for some time. It is a silver wire hair comb decorated with three red flowers that have been embellished with lots of gold seed beads.

More to come later, I hope!

2008-02-04T10:14:00.000-05:00

This is my new Red Celtic Knot Necklace.

Here are three variations on one of my favorite patterns. I really like them all! They are all for sale in the shop, but the Red Celtic Knot Necklace is on sale until Valentine's Day.

Thanks for looking!

Two new Choker designs!

2008-01-11T12:02:00.001-05:00

Here are two new designs that I recently posted on Etsy! The first is
Blue with blue and white pearl beads. The second is that lovely vintage thread again, with vintage pearl beads. The basic design is an old pattern, but I designed the "bib" part on the blue one. Enjoy!

Maching Forest Green Bracelet and 7 random things about me

2008-01-10T11:49:00.000-05:00

Introducing my first tatted bracelet on Etsy! It matches the necklaces I talked about last time.

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.
3. Tag 3 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

Okay, 7 weird or random facts about me:
1) My sheep are my pets.

2) I have two brothers, both younger than myself.

3) I enjoy a very eclectic selection of movies, ranging from Pride and Prejudice to some Alfred Hitchcock to Star Wars (the original trilogy only, please!).

4) I like to spin or knit while I watch movies (preferably light Sci-Fi, or else Jane Austen).

5) I have always lived in Virginia, but not always in the same house.

6) I have pierced ears, but no other body piercings.

7) One brother is a computer geek and I am not gifted in computers at all!

I've tagged The Hermit of the Southern March, Young Lady Against Feminism, and Pleasant View Schoolhouse.

Forest Green Tatted Necklace and matching Hairpins

2007-12-29T14:53:00.000-05:00

Ta-da! Matching necklace and hairpins in the shop now. The thread is Pearl cotton #5, so it is very sturdy. A nice set for a very vintage or victorian look.

2007-12-27T08:25:00.000-05:00

This is a new version of the Ruby Heart Choker. It is made with #30 thread and has a heart-shaped Swarovski crystal at the bottom. I really like it!

This Dark Green Beaded Choker ended up being a Christmas present for a friend of mine.

This is still in progress. It is another version of the Celtic Star Choker.

Blue and White Butterfly Necklace and sneak peek!

2007-12-17T20:27:00.000-05:00

Here is my new Butterfly set! I enjoyed putting these patterns together. As with the others, this is a unique design. They are a bit pricier than my others, but this is because the blue beads take a long time to place exactly.

And here is the sneak peek! I was working on this set and just couldn't bear to part with it; however, I should be able to duplicate it by the end of the week, Lord willing. This set includes the necklace, earrings, and hairpins, but I'll probably list them separately.

Celtic Knot Shuttle Tatted Vintage Choker

2007-12-11T10:19:00.000-05:00

Up on Etsy now! The thread is some that was given to me, and is old but in good condition. Very strong, with a nice sheen.

Christmas is just around the corner now . . . .

2007-12-10T19:29:00.001-05:00

And I have three tatted ornaments in the shop!

Ruby Heart Red Tatted Necklace with maching Earrings

2007-12-07T18:57:00.000-05:00

Here is my new Ruby Heart Tatted Choker. It is rather simple compared to the Celtic Star chokers, but I think it is a nice change.

Here are the matching earrings. Enjoy!

Black Tatted Lace Cuffs and White Celtic Knot Necklace

2007-11-30T15:13:00.000-05:00

Here is my white version of the Celtic Star Choker. Doesn't it look fit for a bride? My dear friend is modeling it for me.
And just for fun, here is a pair of lace cuffs. I really enjoyed making these.

Both designs are my own variations on other patterns out there. I've simply taken different elements of patterns I have used and combined them in new, unique ways. I praise God for this gift.

It is amazing what she can do with small pieces of lace!

2007-11-26T08:18:00.000-05:00

Once again my friend who runs the Etsy store with me has amazed me! She is so good at taking my ideas and embellishing them!
Here are our new Phantom's Rose hairpins. They are definitely different.
Here are our new hairpins with Czech flower crystals.
This is our Tropical Delight choker. The green beads are vintage, and the tatting is new.
This is our Serenade necklace. The thread is antique, but the tatting is new.

Celtic Star Tatted Choker

2007-11-14T19:53:00.000-05:00

This is my new necklace up on Etsy now. It is rather different and dainty, I think. I hope to be posting two or three different variations of this within the next week or so. Just in time for Christmas!

Hair pins with Tatting

2007-11-01T10:50:00.001-04:00

This is a new item in our Etsy store. My friend and I put our heads together on this little item. I like the way it turned out! And yes, the hair is mine.

It reminded me of Christine's hair ornaments from The Phantom of the Opera. I have many problems with the movie, but I really like her hair!

Framed Art up on Etsy

2007-10-26T18:00:00.000-04:00

I have decided to expand my adventures to include putting together framed pictures with my tatting. This is my Mini Heart - Tatted Lace - Framed.

My Real Leaf with Tatting in Solid Wood Frame.

And finally, this is my Falling Leaves Real Leaf Framed Picture with Tatted Lace.

Thanks for looking!

It is Fall again

2007-10-25T11:48:00.000-04:00

Christmas is coming up fast, so I've posted two sets of Christmas cards on Etsy. One set is white; I'm calling it my Christmas Candy Card Set.

This set is ivory and it also has red tatting on the cards. I'm calling them Christmas Cards with Tatting.

The leaves have been beautiful this fall. Today I posted some cards on Etsy which have real leaves glued on them, besides my tatted lace. I love the colors of fall! This is my Real Leaves and Tatted Lace Set.

Enjoy!

What I've been up to lately....

2007-10-16T21:02:00.000-04:00

This is a five-card set I call Yesteryear II. I just couldn't wait to play with those stickers again! Three of the cards have coral tatting on them; one has purple and green varigated tatting, and the last has blue and yellow varigated tatting around the sticker.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7395223

Once more, old fashioned stickers and coral tatting! This is a single card.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7448159

She sells seashells by the seashore ... sort of. I live a long way from the beach, but I like seashells all the same!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7454065

And here is my new Fall Leaves card set. Yes, there are only two cards in this set. That confetti is hard to glue on! Still, superglue should hold them down, don't you think?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7454081

I really like making cards, and I am always open to suggestions, comments, and, above all, special orders!

Two new sets of cards up on Etsy!

2007-10-10T19:41:00.000-04:00

Here is my Roses set. I saw some really neat rose scrapbooking paper, and just had to put tatting around it!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7373461

And this is my new Yesteryear set. I found some really nice stickers the other day, and could hardly wait to get home and make a set of cards!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7373172

Thanks for looking!

Etsy Store Up and Running

2007-10-06T22:33:00.000-04:00

My friend and I now have our own Etsy store! www.yourcrowningglory.etsy.com Come and visit us sometime.

My Poolside set is up, as are two tatted pendants of mine. (Since I finished the pendants over at my friend's house, I didn't get pictures on my own camera. However, they are on Etsy!)

Enjoy!

Cream and Black Set!

2007-10-05T15:52:00.000-04:00

You know how it is ... you put things in a "safe place" ... and then can't find them later. I was looking through some of my older things and came across these two cards that I'd made earlier this year.
They are cream colored and have #10 black tatting on them. I think I'll post them as a set on Etsy. (We finally figured out yesterday how to post stuff on Etsy!)

Enjoy!

Party Time!

2007-10-01T12:47:00.000-04:00

Here is my new Party set! I finished them this morning. The cards are cream-colored, and the tatting is #10 crochet cotton. The colors remind me of a party, so I named this the Party set.

Still haven't posted the Poolside set on Etsy yet; maybe sometime this week I'll get everything straight. My lack of tecnical understanding can be quite difficult sometimes. I may have to get my computer-geek brother to help me.

Poolside Complete!

2007-09-27T21:11:00.000-04:00

My Poolside set is finally finished! I'll try to post it on Etsy tomorrow. I really like the way it turned out. The cards are white, even though they look off-white in this photo. As you all can see, I took Jane Eborall's suggestion about seahorses! I modified my pattern off of one of Jane's on her website. Thank you all very much!

4 Finished in the Poolside set

2007-09-26T15:08:00.000-04:00

Now there are four in the Poolside set. If I can finish the 5th by tomorrow afternoon, then maybe the set can be posted on Etsy tomorrow. That would be nice, I think. I have another set or two in the works. Pictures soon!

New Cards!

2007-09-22T16:17:00.001-04:00

Here are two cards that I just finished this morning! I think I'll call this set Poolside. So far there are only two, but I'd like to have a set of five before I post them on Etsy.

Welcome!

2007-09-21T22:42:00.000-04:00

Salutations, and welcome to the Blog for The Girl who Tats! I am a Christian, and I really enjoy the ancient art of tatting, a way of making lace. The purpose of this blog is to list what I am working on at the moment, as well as the items I hope to list with Etsy. I hope you enjoy reading along!

Laces by Alana Tatter ~ The Tatting Gallery

Valentine's Day Giveaway

Featured Gallery: The Black Rooster

New Photo Tecniques and Sweet Promises

Western Earring Designs

An Encouraging Thought

A Thrilling Announcement:

Still more earrings and another look at the crown

Life?

More earrings~

Music - another off topic post!

Today I discovered...

Information for those of you travelling...

Earrings and a hint at what is to come...

Musings on a rainy Monday morning...

This week...

A New Year's Resolution and pictures of Recent Tatting

A rather off topic post...

Treasury Alert!

Merry Christmas!

Have you met...

Winter Star Necklace

Preparing for Christmas...

This week's Give Away - Your Choice Christmas Necklace!

A Flurry of Snowflakes

Winner of this week's Giveaway

New necklace in the shop this evening...

Thoughts for the Week and Giveaway (closed)

Announcing the Winner!

This week's project update...

Chicken Taco Recipe

My Purpose:

New Giveaway (closed)

And The Winner Is...

Outdoor Christmas Decorations

Works in Progress

Giveaway the week after Thanksgiving...(closed)

And the winner of the Thanksgiving Giveaway is...

Just in time for Christmas...

The Black Friday - Cyber Monday Giveaway Necklace! (closed)

Thanksgiving Giveaway! (closed)

And the winner is....

In the shop now...

A necklace for a wedding....

Round The Mountain

Name Change and My First Giveaway! (closed)

Sheep 2010

And yet more lamb pictures from last spring

Spring Lambs

New Lace Jewelry Designs!

I've been Tagged!

Hair barrettes!

Different Projects This Summer

It has been a long time. . . .

Yet More Lamb Pictures!

Dainty summer necklaces

Finally - New Lambs!

Homemade Bread!

New Interest in Flowers!

New Necklaces!

Miscellaneous tidbits about me and my life. . . .

Fresh and Bright Pendants

Lots of Spring Earrings!

New Hair Comb

Two new Choker designs!

Maching Forest Green Bracelet and 7 random things about me

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.3. Tag 3 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

Forest Green Tatted Necklace and matching Hairpins

Blue and White Butterfly Necklace and sneak peek!

Celtic Knot Shuttle Tatted Vintage Choker

Christmas is just around the corner now . . . .

Ruby Heart Red Tatted Necklace with maching Earrings

Black Tatted Lace Cuffs and White Celtic Knot Necklace

It is amazing what she can do with small pieces of lace!

Celtic Star Tatted Choker

Hair pins with Tatting

Framed Art up on Etsy

It is Fall again

What I've been up to lately....

Two new sets of cards up on Etsy!

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.
3. Tag 3 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.