Leopard bow

Yesterday night I was watching a movie, when internet let me down.
And wouldn't come back. Which makes me think about my next post...
So I started beading and this is the result:



I've been wanting to experiment a leopard pattern for a while, but while making the bow I realized it's much easier if you "improvise".
These bows are so nice, you can also use one on a shirt as a tie or as brooche.
Maybe it would be wiser to list them as they are and let people tell me how to customize them.

Marcia De Coster Disco Squares Bracelet

Between my calls to get electricity into the new house and some more packing, I managed to finish this gorgeous bracelet



It's Marcia De Coster's Disco Squares Bracelet



I used random beads in my stash but I really love the result. It makes me feel spring is really coming after all!

Elegant 1800

I just come back from Rovigo, a city 1/2 hour from Padua, where I saw a wonderful exhibition called "L'ottocento elegante" - The elegant 1800.



It was a display of (mainly) feminine portraits with many references to Moroccan and Japanese influences typical of that period.



Being addicted to period costumes, I really enjoyed it.



A good choice of paintings, divided into different themes, one for each room.



It was a pity I couldn't see another exhibition in a city nearby, with an amazing display of Fortuny's clothes.
I hope I'll manage to go before moving to Milan.

Japan

I've been really speachless these days watching pictures like this and constantly reading the news.
Yesterday my laptod just died out of the blue, when I needed it the most to organize the moving and receive documents for the new house, not to mention I need to find a job quickly to pay for it. My boyfriend and I had issues with 2 real estate agencies so we're now so messed up and will spend more money than we actually have because of incompetent and untrustworthy people. You can say I'm pissed off, sad and angry.

And then I watch these photos and remember that at least I have a house, more than one - and I realize how stupid I am to complain.

I've always been dreaming of visiting Japan and was near to actually doing it a couple of times, but jobs and money made me postpone it.
The beauty of this country, of its language, traditions and the big heart of its people have always attracted me so much that I can't stop thinking about the danger it's involved in.

If you want to give a hand you can find useful links here or you can even buy handmade on Etsy choosing from some sellers that decided to donate some of their creations to this cause - you can find them here.
I hope to join this group very soon.

EBW March Challenge - Fashion Through the Ages

This month I didn't have time to partecipate to the EBW challenge - I tried though.
The theme is amazing, "Fashion Through the Ages" and here is the mosaic:



I wanted to choose the 20's or 30's and I see they're a lot of people's favorite periods ^_^
I was even thinking about making a beaded cloche, or a headband. I started a couple of projects, but had to stop to go to Milan and see houses (won't talk about that again, promise) and to pack all my stuff.
Half of my beads have been already packed, which is pretty sad since the moving has been postponed for a couple of weeks.
I'm now trying to make something nice for the Spring swap and to think about next challenge, but I'm not sure I'll be able to partecipate again.

Meanwhile don't waste your time: go to Etsy Beadweavers blog and vote for your favorite, you have time until the 15th!