Bonnie Boon Designs

Fabulous fluffy fuschia Slipper Socks

2011-04-22T17:56:00.000+03:00

I used a luxuriously fluffy eyelash yarn in deep fuschia pink and a whisper of black, combined with a smooth bright pink to hand crochet this pair of slipper socks.

They're available in many colours and yarns, but all are gorgeous and snuggly soft to wear. The one size is flexible enough to fit all women.

For sale $35 plus shipping.

Larger men's sizes available. Just drop me an email for any further information.

Purple Blue Mulberry Seaglass wearable art brooch

2010-04-25T17:38:00.002+03:00

Here's another painted canvas and embroidered wearable-art brooch featuring a piece of my sea glass collection. This time I've used shades of purple and blue on a deep mulberry felt background to frame the piece.

I love these colours, and the different textures of the brushed paint on canvas, the delicateness of the stitching and soft richness of the felt. My favourite so far I think.

This particular brooch is now SOLD. Each brooch I make is unique. But if you would like me you something similar, please let me know.

Blue & pink sea glass art brooch

2010-04-22T17:35:00.001+03:00

I'm experimenting with different ways to make jewelry featuring the sea glass I collect from the beach. It seems obvious now, but till now, I hadn't thought of combining painted artwork and hand-stitched embroidery. So this is a first!

For this wearable art seaglass brooch I used acrylic paint on canvas, which I snipped to a random shape, then applied a cloudy white sea glass gem and embroidered in pink and blue cotton thread inspired by colours in the painting. I hand-stitched pink felt to the reverse with a safety fastener.

For sale $16.95 plus shipping. Click here to convert to your own currency.

Sea glass pendant aqua green crochet necklace

2010-04-06T22:27:00.003+03:00

Beach gem genuine sea glass pendant crochet necklace

Here's another piece of genuine sea glass from the beach. It has a lovely white frosted surface and reminds me of a slippery nugget of ice. I decided to capture it in a cool aqua green crochet basket and added a necklace 20 ins long. It fastens with a loop and bobble.

For sale $19.95 plus shipping. Click here to convert to your own currency.

The weather today was absolutely gorgeous; sunny with a little breeze, so it wasn't too hot. H and I got stuck into some much needed pruning on the hill terrace. George and Mr Tabs gave us a hand

Sea glass necklace in blue

2010-04-03T12:43:00.002+03:00

I've amassed quite a collection of sea glass from the beach, since I began this new fascination. My eye is finely tuned now, and I can spot a glint of glass from quite a distance. The dogs try to help me on our beachcombing expeditions, but so far, are less reliable;)

I've been working on ways to transform my beach treasure into jewelry. Here's a delicately pretty Beach Gem crochet pendant in Mediterannean foam blue. I crocheted a protective basket to support the sea glass and fashioned a necklace, which fastens with a bobble and loop.

I find the white translucent colours are the most common, along with various shades of green, and very occasionally browns and gold. Lots of lovely possibilities!

For sale $19.95 plus shipping. Please click here to convert to your own currency.

Sea glass jewelry experiment

2010-03-09T09:58:00.000+02:00

Recently I've become fascinated by the colourful objects I find on my beach walks. I stroll along, occasionally stopping to winkle out small smooth stones from the sand, especially excited if I spy the green gleam of sea glass, which I swoop on as if it was an emerald.

I love the idea of up-cycling these naturally available objects, so have begun experiments to feature them in jewelry. I began with this green hand crocheted ring to test methods of holding the 'gem' in place. It worked, but I've ideas that should improve it.

Crochet Big Bead necklace

2010-02-28T14:05:00.004+02:00

Time does fly! I've been so engrossed in making pictures with my painting hat on, that I clean forgot to post about my latest one-of-a-kind textile jewelry necklace. As you can see it features large chunky bead shapes, completely hand crocheted in bright Pink, Green, Turquoise, Yellow, Orange, Purple and cool Grey cotton yarns. I made a padded bobble to slip through a loop to fasten. It is light to wear and measures approx 22 inches.(56 cms).

I just love the process of making hand crochet or knitted jewelry in this way. I let it evolve with only the merest plan when I start, and give myself the freedom to let the colours and yarn take me in any direction...pretty much the same way my paintings take shape :).

For sale $45 plus shipping. Please click here to convert to your own currency.

Crochet & knit necklace - Blues & Pinks

2010-02-21T13:04:00.011+02:00

I made this one-of-a-kind necklace combining knitting, crochet and handmade fabric beads in cotton, wool and bamboo yarn.

The soft blues, pinks, purple and cool grey look so pretty together. I stitched the fabric beads from 3 different printed cottons from my quilting stash, then applied a medium so they are firm and have a satin finish. They, and the crochet beads can be moved along the necklace to create different looks. A softly padded a bobble is made to slip through a loop to fasten the necklace, which is altogether light as a feather to wear.

Spring is in the air and I'm loving my recent concentration on textile jewelry. The more I make, the more ideas are crowding in queuing for attention.

For sale $30 plus shipping. Please click here to convert to your own currency.

Beach gems and textile jewellery

2010-02-17T11:30:00.005+02:00

Went to the beach earlier than usual today so it was still quite cool, especially as the sun was well hidden by cloud.

Teddy was very patient while I combed the sand for interesting pebbles and wave-smoothed glass gems. At home I popped them in water and their colours gleam again like they did wet from the sea. I shall choose one or two to combine with crochet and knitting to make a necklace.

In the meantime, here's a pretty pale pastel, one of a kind piece of textile wearable art jewelry, which can be worn as a necklace or wrapped double around your wrist as a bracelet. It's hand knitted and crocheted in soft Mauve, Green, cool Pink, Peach, warm / cool Greys and pale Lemon yarn. The button-embellished flower slips through a loop to fasten, which can be worn at the back of the neck or the front. The soft beads can be moved and rearranged along the necklace to create different looks. Light to wear it measures approx 18 inches.(46 cms).
For sale $25 plus shipping. Please click here to convert to your own currency.

Hand knit and crochet bracelet for Spring

2010-02-11T12:55:00.005+02:00

This morning Teddy and I went down to the beach and walked the coastal path for an hour or so. She's not too keen on walking in the hills where we normally go, but this morning both she and I seemed energised by the waves crashing on the pebbles and the winter sunshine was doing it's best to cheer us on. We could have gone on for hours .... but the thought of breakfast and studio work called us back.

I've got an overwhelming need to work with Spring in mind. The weather is still low compared with normal and the skies are grey, but I detect a slight raise in temperature as the week goes on. I finished making this hand knit and crochet bracelet today. It makes me think of fresh spring crocus flowers and the wild iris that will be blooming on our mountain quite soon.

For sale $35 plus shipping. Please click here to convert to your own currency.

Chunky Funky Bangle

2010-01-26T09:47:00.005+02:00

I've given in to my love of neutral colours and made this chunky bangle in soft cream, buttery beiges, greys and nut brown. Hand crocheted in cotton, bamboo and acrylic yarns with an added embellishment embroidered onto felt and padded with poly fibre stuffing. It is flexible enough to fit all sizes.

A good change for me to be making something that isn't just for keeping warm. Although it is cold today ... me thinks I shall be wearing fingerless mittens while working.

For sale $25 plus shipping. Please click here to convert to your own currency.

Keeping out the Cold

2010-01-22T17:37:00.003+02:00

Winter weather arrived here this week. Lots of rain and coldness that gets to the bones. I realise our Cyprus winters are a piece of cake compared to other places, but for us fsofties, 14 deg centigrade is definitely chilly. So I've been so grateful to bury my fingers in gorgeous warm yarn while making this snug collar.

The yarn is just luscious! I hand knitted it combining whisper soft fluffy eye lash yarn and shimmering ribbon in Mulberry, Green, Turquoise and Pale Gold. The collar fastens with a loop and hand stitched button. Just the thing to wear from Winter into Spring when you want to feel warm and extra special!

For sale $25 plus shipping. Please click here to convert into your own currency.

Haiti Earthquake - Etsy shop to raise funds

2010-01-16T10:19:00.005+02:00

Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti, like me you may have been trying to find a way to help.

A group of Etsy shop owners have come together to donate items, the proceeds of which will be sent directly to Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontiers). Other than Etsy and paypal fees, 100% of the money will be donated. Shop owners will be donating the shipping costs.

The HeartsForHaiti.etsy.com shop has been designed and is now open and a team are working long hours to get the hundreds of donated items listed. The organizers are featuring 'heart' items I believe, so I'm donating Valentine Heart iPhone cases, which you can see on my blog from earlier this week http://bonnieboondesigns.blogspot.com/2010/01/iphone-ipod-mp3-blackberry-valentine.html . If you want to help, please go to the shop to buy so that the money goes straight to the Doctors Without Borders charity.

Thank you
Bee

iPhone iPod mp3 Blackberry VALENTINE HEART Cozies

2010-01-11T17:55:00.005+02:00

I'm enjoying watching TV in the evenings while making these Valentine Heart cozy cases, which are perfect for protecting your gadgets from scratches.

I'm crocheting them in the round (no seams) using a variety of gorgeous plain and fluffy yarns, seen here in Pink / Lilac and luscious fruity Red / Berry shades (wool, acrylic, mohair).

They close securely with a loop and hand stitched button and are designed to fit an iPod touch, iPhone, Blackberry, mp3 player, some small cameras and other cell phones with similar dimensions. Alternatively, like me you could try stashing away your money, credit cards, store cards, business cards or your secret diary ... the choice is yours. Measures a flexible 5 inches (12.7 cm) long by 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) wide.

Contact me for a custom order if you would like a cozy in different colours or size. The Heart can be personalised with a hand stitched INITIAL on request.

$18 dollars plus shipping. Please click here to convert to your own currency.

Hand wash and lay flat to dry.

Gadgets not included of course.

Nintendo DS lite case

2010-01-09T00:37:00.007+02:00

Nintendo DS Lites are quite small, but the hard case they supply is quite bulky. A soft cozy case like this is often much more practical.

You could also use the pouch to keep a collection of other vital personal items such as your classic cell phone, iPod touch, iPhone, Blackberry, small camera, mp3 player, money, business cards, make-up, notebook, pens and pencils.

I crocheted this one in a variety of blue and grey yarns. It closes with a loop and handmade button.

The cozy measures 4 x 6.5 inches and will stretch a little if required.
(Nintendo DS not included.)

For sale $16 dollars plus shipping. Please click here to convert into your own currency.

Winter warmth

2010-01-03T14:10:00.007+02:00

It was great to see family over Christmas, but I cannot deny, it's good to have left the English winter behind now we're enjoying warm winter sunshine back on the island of Cyprus. It's such a contrast, instead of snow and frost today I brought beautiful winter white roses indoors.

Just in case you think I've been slacking, here's a pair of snuggly fluffy thick Slipper Socks I made over the holiday.

For sale $35 plus shipping. Please click here to convert to your own currency.

New Year in England

2009-12-31T19:22:00.003+02:00

It's New Year's Eve on Marlow High Street, Buckinghamshire, and the last day of our family Christmas holiday in England. All Saints church in the background is where I spent midnight as Christmas Day began. Tomorrow we return to the island of Cyprus.

I wish you all a happy, peaceful and healthy 2010!

Slipper socks and OOAK wearable art!

2009-12-07T14:13:00.011+02:00

Just finished another pair of snuggly slipper socks, but not sure how long they'll be available. I need an extra pair to take with me to chilly old England for our Christmas visit. So if I don't get time to make another pair ... these are MINE! Let it snow, I won't feel a thing in these flame red, hot pink, lavendar and purple heather Beauties!

For sale $35 plus shipping. Please click here to convert to your own currency.

This particular pair is now SOLD. I continue to make this style in a variety of colours. Please contact me by email for more information.

Here's a blast from the past... I'd almost forgotten. Old Indigoblah blog friends may remember this wearable art brooch? I took it out of it's tissue paper nest, gave it a stroke.

Christmas card

2009-11-20T18:14:00.008+02:00

Bonnie Boon has gone all Christmassy! I've decided to introduce a range of greeting cards featuring prints of some of my paintings and illustrations, some of which can be seen on my studio blog. As Christmas is approaching fast ... I'm starting with this card, 'Miss Winter' from my Four Seasons series.

Misses Spring, Summer and Autumn are likely to follow.

Denim blue Flower Hat

2009-11-20T17:56:00.006+02:00

Denim blue crocheted hat with a startlingly PINK flower. I made it to be glam, warm and casual with jeans.

Last week I bought 3 pairs of jeans! I've never had so much denim in my life before! Funny how one thing affects another...denim is even getting involved with my hooking ... crochet, that is.

CHRISTMAS RED MITTENS - FINGERLESS GLOVES

2009-11-01T21:36:00.010+02:00

I'm making handmade gifts for some of my friends this Christmas. These rich Christmas Red crocheted fingerless mittens are embellished with a flower motif and a vintage button from my collection. You can buy them yourself in red or email me to request them in a different colour. $22 plus shipping.

You can never have too many hats!

2009-10-31T09:42:00.002+02:00

This week I supplied a collection of hats to a very talented and interesting lady http://www.carolgoodrow.com She does wonderful work teaching and inspiring children to exercise.

The hat with the yellow flower was custom made for Carol to wear at her Art Show taking place November/December.

FINGERLESS MITTENS Pine Green for Christmas giving.

2009-10-25T16:56:00.009+02:00

I like mittens because they keep your hands snug yet still let you function. I hand crocheted these Pine Green fingerless mittens in soft acrylic yarn and as I worked it got me thinking of pine trees and being out and about Christmas shopping for gift giving. I feel inspired to make the next pair in a glorious eye-popping Christmas Red. Watch this space!
For sale $22 plus shipping. Please click here to convert to your own currency.

Women's warm winter crocheted hat in wool, mohair, and mixed yarns.

2009-10-16T17:27:00.006+03:00

Winter is on the way and a good warm hat just seemed to crochet itself on the hook all by itself this week. I combined several yarns in shades of red, pink, blues and grey in a variety of fibres, including wool, mohair and acrylic blends.

I need to make one for myself for when I visit England at Christmas, but this one is for sale. And I'm already sorting colours, ready to start making another one. A luscious purple heather mohair is calling me just now!

I'm back!

2009-08-31T11:37:00.005+03:00

Bonnie Boon shop is open and ready to hear from you. Hope you all had a great summer.

I may be gone for some time

2009-06-06T12:41:00.001+03:00

Apologies to visitors, expecting to see new work. Truth is, I'm working on an extremely large project, which I don't want to blog about. It will take many months, so things are going to be extremely quiet here. I shall still be answering all emails, of course, if you care to get in touch.

If you have the stamina, by all means check back from time to time .... but be prepared for a long wait. In the meantime, thank you for following me thus far.

RUBY RED ROSE velvet lined BAG mixed media

2009-03-11T18:17:00.004+02:00

I just loved making this bag. As you can see, it features a raunchy ruffled red rose, handmade stalk and leaf embellishments. It closes with a handmade flower button and is lined with matching ruby red velvet.

The body and handle of the bag has been crocheted in a soft coloured green cotton yarn. The leaf motifs were created using wood, moulding paste, paint and a protective gloss lacquer. The ruffled rose and flower button are crocheted in red cotton yarn and embellishments include a vintage button from my collection, ruby red crystal beads and gold metallic thread. The handstitched lining was made using a yummy piece of red velvet I've been treasuring for years.

Bag measures 7.5 x 7.5 ins approx. (19 x 19 cms)
Handle 31 ins approx (80 cms)
For sale $45 plus shipping. Please click here to convert into your own currency.

Lemon Curd Recipe

2009-02-17T14:01:00.007+02:00

One of the great things about living on a Mediterannean island, is having the climate to grow citrus fruit in my garden. I love picking the fruit and getting to work in my kitchen.

Just now there is ripe fruit and the trees are at the same time bursting with blossom buds and tiny new lemons are beginning to form. I'm hoping for a good crop next time.

Today I made Lemon Curd. I wish my blog had a fragrance widget. My kitchen smells sensational! Here's the recipe if you fancy having a go:

LEMON CURD
4 lemons
5 beaten eggs
4 oz (113 grms) butter
1 lb (453 grms) sugar

Grate the rind very finely from the lemons. Put the eggs, lemon rind, juice, butter and sugar into the top of a double saucepan (if you haven't got one, instead use a heatproof glass bowl over a pan of simmering water). Stir until sugar has dissolved and the mixture cooks and thickens (this can take a while) When thick, strain into sterilised jars and cover immediately.

As this recipe contains eggs, I recommend making it in small quantities and keeping for only a short time. Home-made Lemon Curd is so delicious, it's not likely to be around for long in any case!

EGYPTIAN EYE mixed media Purse

2009-02-08T15:19:00.011+02:00

The 'eye' has been a long time favourite motif of mine. A while ago I made a mixed media Blue Eye Brooch. Last week someone contacted me suggesting I make an 'Egyptian Eye'. 'What a great idea', I replied, 'why didn't I think of that'? Ancient Egyptian art and symbolism is fascinating. I visited Egypt a few years ago and will never forget the treasures of Tutankhamun I saw in the Cairo Museum. So I had all the inspiration I needed.

I started off with my crochet hook and some traditional colours of ancient Egypt, thinking I would make another brooch. Which I may well do eventually. On this occasion I didn't quite know where to stop and it developed into a freeform shape, which I then tamed into the shape of a purse leaving a space to add the Eye. I also added some gorgeous beads recycled from my collection of thrift shop vintage jewellery. The handstitched lining I cut from a piece of pure silk, which travelled the 2000 miles from England with me in my treasured fabric stash and was originally bought to make a cushion I seem to remember.

The Eye motif I made from wood, moulding paste and paint with a protective shiny lacquer finish. When dry it was permanently attached to the purse.

Dimensions: 6.25" x 4.25" (16cm x 11cm) Handle: 32" (83cm)

SLIPPER SOCKS Womens FLUFFY BLUE and PURPLE

2009-02-03T17:19:00.004+02:00

There is something extremely satisfying about making these snuggly thick Slipper Socks. I sorted through my huge collection of yarns, playing with combining colour variations and fibre blends. I'm loving blue just now, so not surprisingly a selection of Blues and Purples was my final choice. I used 2 strands 0f 6 yarns and the finished Slipper Socks are really thick and snug. Now what colours shall I choose next?

For sale $35 plus shipping. Please click here to convert into your own currency.
This particular pair of slippers is now SOLD, put I continue to make this style in a variety of colours. Just drop me an email and and me know what you would like.

BONNIE BOON gets her own blog!

2009-01-31T17:44:00.009+02:00

Some of you may know me as Bee Skelton the painter. I'm also a fidget, who can't keep her hands still, and when I'm not painting, I like to fiddle with fibre and threads. My studio blog had begun to look slightly schizophrenic and confusing, with all my output mixed together. So as of now my alterego, Bonnie Boon, has her own blog to play with.

So far I've made several pairs of these fluffy snug Slipper Socks this winter and I thought it was about time I made some to sell here.

Update: now SOLD. But I continue to make this style in a variety of colours. Just drop me an email and and me know what you would like. $35 plus shipping. Please click here to convert to your own currency.

They are just brilliant for slipping your feet into first thing in the morning and I have to admit, when at home, they stay put throughout the day and into the evening when I'm curled up on the sofa watching TV. I have them in different colours, and even keep a pair to wear with oversized wellie boots when I'm gardening!