Freeform

I recently saw someone else's blog post about Wordle, and it looked so cool that I had to go check it out. This thing is addictive! You can create these word clouds by typing in a URL and letting Wordle grab the words, or you can type in the words yourself. After you're finished, click the "Randomize" button and watch all these little word clouds form. Neat, huh?

You can choose fonts, colors, and backgrounds to customize your Wordle. There's also a gallery, so you can go check out other word clouds.


I guess it's only fitting that I came across this freeform word cloud thing on the day I was busy making some new freeform bracelets. A lovely Etsy customer requested that I make her a freeform cuff using blues and browns/tans, and since freeform can be so different from piece to piece, I decided I'd make two of them and let her choose.

The first one is called Woods and Sky, both because of the colors and because I incorporated some little wooden discs into the design and used a faux wooden vintage button for the closure.

The second one, which is much more irregular in texture and shape than the first one, is called Along the Edge. It incorporates many of the same beads, but it has a very different look to it. For one thing, it started to "move" as I added beads. With the first one, I controlled the movement and kept the bracelet somewhat symmetrical as I wove; but with this one I just let it get away from me a couple of times. The result is that one edge has some "steps" in it and some cool looking faux metallic blue pearls and one elongated translucent matte bead that stick out from the edge.

Even with the irregularity, I like the way this one fits. It's got a definite curve to it, but the curve helps it slide down onto my hand when I try it on.

The customer has already made her choice (she liked the lighter tones of the first one better), so that second one is going into my Etsy shop shortly.

Before I leave, I have to show off something... remember my post about the beads I was getting from Dee (Malodora.etsy.com)? Well, they arrived on Saturday; and it was all I could do to wait until our company departed so I could open the package. And then... once I had opened the box, I almost didn't want to continue to unwrap! Just look at how wonderfully Dee packaged the Natasha beads. Each one was like a tiny little gift, each one is glorious, and I've now spent quite a long time picking each one up and examining it. They're all like little works of art, and I'm absolutely thrilled with them!!!

Now I'm off to bead. :-)