Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Craft Barn's latest alpha challenge: Z with a twist


Today I've created my latest Craft Barn Alpha/Dictionary challenge entry.  Unfortunately, there had to be a twist.  Jane insisted we add a pearl to our Z word.

I looked long and hard for a pearl in my craft goodies, but found nothing.  Now although I don't wear jewelry anymore, I wasn't about to tear apart my cultured pearl necklace I've had since I was a teen just to satisfy this silly twist. 

Then I put on my thinking cap, and remembered I had iridescent pearl fabric paint, so I glopped a few "pearls" on the cross part of my Z.  I've added this cross since I started coding back in the late 80s.  It's a way to distinguish between a two (2) and a Z.


Here is the definition of Zipper.  Unfortunately, I got a bit carried away with the dark green ink I used so you may have trouble reading the definition.  Note the tiny "pearl" on the definition, too.

I dyed this white zipper, along with others when I created Chris's pages for our International Swap. 

And because these are left over from that swap, I'm also entering this in Try it on Tuesday's latest challenge which is scraps and leftovers, something near and dear to my heart.

There was a mix-up on the links for our last Craft Barn link-up, and by the time they got it straightened out, my phone and internet, both serviced by AT&T, were out for several days.  So I apologize for not visiting, but I hope you understand.  Hopefully, I'm back on track and will be able to visit everyone this fortnight. 

Before you ask, I am probably one of three persons left in the world over the age of three who does NOT own a cell phone.  But I certainly appreciate all the internet support I got while I was offline.   You  make it all worthwhile.

28 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Lovely pearly 'Z', great idea with home made pearls. I have liquid pearls in a tube which is similar. Your were very resourceful! Thanks for linking to TIOT, too, much appreciated. Have a nice day, hugs, Valerie

Helen said...

although I no longer take part in the craft barn challenges I do look to see what is going on.. well done on finding something for the pearl twist! (I quite like the twists I have to say, lol!)

kaybee said...

Love how you have used the zip to create a Z, and that pearl paint is really pearly! Hopefully internet problems are behind us both!

Pen Sunshinepen said...

Great idea - I am still trying to think what to do ? xx

Sandra Cox said...

Love the Z and glad you didn't destroy your pearl necklace:)
I went for many years without a cell, but once I got one, I was hooked. If I forget to take it when I'm out and about, I totally freak.

Darla said...

Clever you for using the pearl paint. In fact the whole page is a clever response to the challenge.

Sami said...

Nice idea about the pearl paint, glad you didn't destroy the old pearl necklace, even though you don't wear it, it's probably still valuable.

My name is Erika. said...

I think your pearls are the best. What a great thought you had to make them from fabric paint. They look like pearls. Hope all is well. We are raining today-so needed- even my dry soil loving perennials were drooping badly yesterday. Hugs-Erika

Scrapmate said...

Snap! I love your use of a real zip to form the letter and the pearl paint is perfect for the twist.

Meggymay said...

A great way to use up your pieces and thank you for once again joining us over at TioT's.
The zip looks a great colour after dying, but I'm pleased you found a solution to the pearls, not a good idea to use precious items when you have imagination.
Yvonne xx

sheila 77 said...

Innovative as ever, Elizabeth, nice one on the pearls. I like your Zippy "Z" zip and enjoyed reading your thoughts as you go along.

Julia said...

Love your zip (zipper) letter Z, very good idea. Your pearls work well on this piece. I've no idea how I am going to add a pearl to my flimsy dictionary page yet, if it stands proud on the page it is going to make a hole in other pages so this is a challenge and a half!

Elaine said...

Brilliant idea to use a zip to make the Z letter and I love your pearls. The whole point of doing challenges is to challenge yourself, have a good rummage through stash and come up with something. I eventually found some pearl gems but I was going to use Opal Liquid Pearls!!

Jeanie said...

Very clever, Elizabeth!

And while I'm here, thank you for your recent visits and comments. Yes, escaping to the lake is such a gift! And I'm glad I'm not the only VCR person!

WendyK said...

A very clever idea to use the zip to form the letter and your use of the pearl paint. Could you raise the number of three people who don't have cell phones to six, my three grandchildren don't have them.

Valerie-Jael said...

I sent you a mail!

froebelsternchen said...

This is just AWESOME Elizabeth!
Wonderful project! Thank you for joining us at Try It On Tuesday!

~*~Patty S said...

Super use of a zipper for the Z E! :-)
Great dye job.
You are always so creative in your use of them.
Creating your own pearls is a nice touch.
oxo

Craftyfield said...

It's funny how having less stash actually makes us MORE creative... The letter idea is brilliant and your pearl solution an excellent one.
All in all rather brilliant illustration of your chosen word!

pearshapedcrafting said...

I love your pearl twist! So good to see your second entry at Try It On Tuesday, Thanks for joining in! Forgot to say in comments on post after this that I hope the problems in your basement soon get sorted! Hugs, Chrisx

Lula said...

What a great use of leftovers Elizabeth! Thanks for sharing it with us over at TIOT this time.

Crafty Claire said...

Clever idea to make the zip into a Z. The pearls work perfectly with your design xx

daisy said...

Those little twists really get us thinking don't they? You rose to the challenge with great gusto. Bravo! Thank you for finding the time to visit my blog & for leaving your comment. It is very much appreciated.

gardenpinks said...

A fabulous way to denote the letter Z - use a zipper in the shape of a Z!! Very clever and love the way you used fabric paint for pearls. I very nearly had to use liquid pearls as I couldn't, at first, find the flat backed pearls. Love the colour of the background too.
I believe that some countries use the middle bar across the z in the same way that some countries put a bar across the number 7.

ionabunny said...

Love your zippy Z. Great idea and well don with the pearls. Hugz

Lou said...

Great idea to use an actual zip for your z, and to include the liquid pearls (you may have noticed by now that I'm a big fan of them! Lovely colours, lovely page! Lou x

maggie said...

A great way to use the scraps of zip and the use of liquid pearls was perfect for the twist in the challenge.

Anne O said...

Hi! What a clever idea to use the zip to make the Z! And a great idea for making pearls. Thank you for the lovely comment you left on my blog. I hope your troubles with flooding and the internet are behind you. Best wishes, Anne O