Tatting History & Inspiration Archives - Page 2 of 5

Posted on December 28, 2022August 23, 2025 by Elena — 18 Comments

New free pattern

New free pattern, the results of the outgoing year and my gift for you!

Hello everyone! And so another year comes to an end. It was a very difficult and terrible year for me, my family and my Ukraine. But even in such conditions, Ukrainian masters continue to live, work and create beauty, supporting their army and their country. So, my results.

First of all

This is the most important and most valuable thing – my family and I are alive, our house is intact, my Ukraine continues to fight the enemy for independence and freedom!

Secondly

I made 153 sales on Etsy and 304 sales on my WordPress store. This is a small part of the packages that I sent to my dear customers.

Thirdly

I transferred UAH 23,750 to the Ukrainian Army Fund. And this became possible only thanks to you, who made purchases in my stores or transferred funds to my personal PayPal.

Fourth

I have 1006 subscribers on my YouTube chan nel. Visit and subscribe to my channel, I plan many new and useful videos, welcome: https://www.youtube.com/@ElenaKozinenko

Fifth

I created 25 new patterns. Alas, it is very little. But I didn’t have the opportunity or the inspiration to do more. Often you have to make lace without electric lighting. But I have a battery operated headlamp. I look fantastic, don’t I?!

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has been with me during this difficult year. Your prayers, kind words of support and sympathy, your help and support are infinitely valuable to me. I have cried many times from overflowing feelings of gratitude to you, my dears! What a pity that I cannot write ALL your names here. Oh, that would be a very long post! But I keep in my heart the memory of each of you, believe me!

And I decided today to give you a new pattern. You can see in the previous photo how I make this snowflake, haha. Therefore, perhaps the photos in the master class are not of very high quality.

You can download the PDF file new free pattern from the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fOMcCDLqk2xuWGwch0Nw8ETNn-YvcioF/view?usp=share_link

I sincerely hope for your help and support in the future.
God bless you all,
Glory to Ukraine!
Thousand hugs, Elena https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/

Posted on December 8, 2022August 23, 2025 by Elena — 4 Comments

Virtual cloud

Virtual cloud, or how modern technologies save old needlework.

Hello everybody! My shop is open again!

After the terrible bombings, we have very limited electricity in our country. Therefore, there are problems with the Internet and communication. But I found a way to keep working! I added all my patterns to a virtual cloud. I can now send you a link to any purchased pattern via the email you provided when you made the purchase.
All finished products are sold and delivered as before. However, there may be delays in delivery of up to 3-4 weeks.

But I haven’t been idle for the past three weeks, of course. I have finished a new bracelet.
See how the complex and intricate process takes on its final form!

I’m also currently working on creating a collection of bookmarks.

Thank you all for supporting me and my store! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/

And also thanks to everyone who supports me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/kozinenkoelena

Posted on November 11, 2022August 23, 2025 by Elena — 4 Comments

Tatting Josephine knot

Handmade tatting lace snowflake with Josephine knots

Tatting Josephine knot, or laziness is the engine of progress.

Hello, everyone! Let’s talk about laziness. Is it really true to say that laziness is the engine of progress? But what about creative impulses or bouts of vanity? As an unselfish desire to benefit humanity or a thirst for enrichment? Yes, no one has canceled human passions! But let’s briefly “go over” the history.

Once upon a time, primitive people climbed tall trees to pick fruits. But one “lazy person” did not want to climb up the hard bark. He picked up a stick, threw it up and – ta-daaaam! – knocked down a juicy sweet fruit. So the ancient man learned to use a stick as the first tool.

Years passed, humanity developed. Cities were built, trade arose. Oh, how difficult it is to deliver goods on your own shoulders. And again, some “lazy person” decided to attach round supports to the box and forced the donkey to drag this improvised cart. I imagine what a sensation this procession made at the old fair!

Well, I hope you get my point! And of course, they appreciated the sense of humor! Now I’m smoothly moving on to my own laziness, ha ha! My regular readers know that I really like to “complicate” my work. I’m too lazy to wind the thread on a small shuttle, so I try to take larger shuttles. By the way, this makes it possible not to increase the thread during operation. And this is my main goal, because I hate to hide the ends of the threads. I am horrified at the mere thought that by the end of the last knot I will have to hide 50 (or 150) tails of threads! This is especially true for multi-row patterns.

Of course, I didn’t “invent the wheel” when I started using false picot, split ring and split chain to go to the next row without cutting the thread. My subscribers must have watched the video tutorials on my YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

But while creating a new snowflake, I thought, why not make the same transition using a combined ring of Josephine knots? This snowflake is part of a Christmas garland. https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/pattern-easy-twist/

I couldn’t find any links on the internet for this. Maybe I was looking bad, what do you think? It is also possible that this technique has the correct name. Write in the comments please. After all, the terminology in different languages has certain differences. Subscribe to my blog! And also watch the video of Josephine split ring, welcome:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXjpLw9d4C4&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=1

Posted on November 9, 2022September 5, 2025 by Elena — 8 Comments

Ukrainian artist Svitlana Kochetova

Handmade beaded elephant brooch in red, black and silver colors, jewelry by Sviko, crafted with pearls and crystals, handmade by Svitlana Kochetova

Ukrainian artist Svitlana Kochetova. Or my reflections on my personal mission.

Hello, everyone! Today I want to start a series of stories about my talented compatriots, Ukrainian handmade masters. I really like to communicate with different people around the world. After all, thanks to the Internet, it has become absolutely accessible.

And recently I had a short interview with a wonderful beading master, Ukrainian artist Svetlana Kochetova.

Svitlana was born in Zaporozhye. After 4 years, the family moved to Vinnitsa. In this beautiful, cozy city, she grew up and developed her creative talents. Svitlana recalls with incredible warmth her grandmother, who sang Ukrainian songs to her grandchildren and instilled in them a love for Ukrainian culture. By the way, it’s not for nothing that they say that a talented person is talented in everything! Svitlana sings beautifully, knits and knits, embroiders, sews, draws.

Beading

Oh, how many hardships befell this fragile girl! In the “dashing 90s”, when there was no work, the country’s economy was in decline, banditry flourished, Svitlana was forced to leave Ukraine for Italy. Of course, it was very difficult. Hard work, loneliness, disorder … But creativity supported the girl in these difficult times. How many tears were shed, how much grief experienced. But, finally, happiness smiled! Now Svitlana has a home, a family, a caring husband and loving children. As well as cute pets that help her in her work! And now she can devote more time to her “passion” – beading.

In 2016, she saw several works of famous designers, beading masters. Surprise and admiration, as well as a great desire to do even better! And Svetlana started to create the first beaded necklace. Of course, free lessons on the Internet helped. Look, this is her first job. Incredible, right?

There are no boundaries for perfection. A true talent knows how important it is to develop and improve. Therefore Svitlana continued to study new methods and new techniques of beading. In 2021, at the Creativemente competition, the work of Svitlana “The Mistress of the Copper Mountain” received the First Prize!

Also then there were diplomas at other international competitions.

Battle of the Beadsmith

So, this year Svitlana decided to take part in the international competition Battle of the Beadsmith and act as a participant from Ukraine. This is how the master comments on his motivation:

It is my mission to my native country to be its voice in the world. At first, I wanted to make a necklace from two halves – blue-yellow and red-black. Blue and yellow are the colors of our national flag, and black and red are the blood, pain and aftermath of bombing fires. But in the process of creating a sketch, I decided to make Berehynia. This is the image of the Mother of Ukraine, who covers and protects her children, patriots of Ukraine, with her own hands. And let there be no blood and horror in this work, but let there be hope and faith in our victory and our happy and peaceful future! With thoughts about this and a burning desire for peace, I created this image. Therefore, I really hope that viewers will feel how many emotions and hopes are invested in this image.

I ask you to support Svitlana with your comments, share her work and wish her good luck in the contest! https://www.facebook.com/groups/909085782545395/?multi_permalinks=5543179712469289&ref=share

The conversation with Svetlana also made me think. What is my mission? I try to tell the whole world about Ukraine, about its heroes, about its talents, about our struggle for freedom and faith in victory!

Posted on September 21, 2022August 23, 2025 by Elena — 2 Comments

Bracelet with cute story

Blue tatting lace bracelet with beads. Handmade by FairyLacefromElena

Bracelet with cute story, or how I was looking for a name for a new bracelet.

When I was picking threads for this bracelet, I imagined a cute Barbie doll. Barbie style suggests just such delicate, romantic and soft colors. But I can’t call my bracelet Barbie, because it could be copyright infringement. I always urge masters to treat copyrights of any artist reverently and honestly. So I went to the internet, haha! By the way, at the same time I learned some interesting facts. You probably know how I love to learn new interesting stories.

Some facts about Barbie

Barbie first appeared at the children’s goods fair in New York (1959). Ruth and Elliot Handler created this amazing doll. It is believed that the prototype of the famous doll was Bild Lilly, the heroine of erotic comics published in the newspaper “Bild Zeitung” (Germany). Barbie’s full fictional name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.

The first Barbie cost $3. Ah, I can’t even imagine how much a collectible Barbie can cost today!

Nowadays, there are many models of the famous doll and her family and friends. Also huge number of all kinds of accessories, computer games about Barbie are also sold. In 2004, the cartoon “Barbie and the Nutcracker” was filmed. In my opinion, few toys can compete in popularity with this blonde Barbara!

I think you will also like my new bracelet with this cute story. By the way, you can make such a bracelet according to my master class. https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/pattern-celtic-bracelet-ballerina/

I also invite you to visit and subscribe to my YouTube channel, welcome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8pA49htn9U&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

I have to admit that this post was not easy for me. It is hard not to think about grief and misfortune in my country. And I am deeply grateful to everyone who supports and prays for our free, strong and independent Ukraine! Thank you my dear friends!

Posted on February 25, 2022September 5, 2025 by Elena — 6 Comments

Prayer for Ukraine

Prayer for Ukraine. My tears and pain are the pain and tears of all the mothers of Ukraine.

Hello, everyone!

I apologize for the “unlace” post. But I can’t be silent.
On 2022 February 24, Russian troops occupied Ukraine. That’s what all the media say. It is not true! Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014, taking over the Crimean parliament and establishing its own dictatorship. The whole world remained silent, believing Putin’s statement that he was “saving” the Russians living in Crimea. Vile lies! He was preparing a military base for an attack on the rest of our country. For the transfer of military equipment, the Crimean bridge was built.

For 8 years, Russian troops have been shelling our Donbass and Lugansk, killing our civilians and depriving them of shelter over their heads. But Putin said – there are no Russian troops there. This is an outright deception! Why did the leaders of European states and America believe him? This silence and non-resistance to evil led to a huge disaster – Russian troops invaded Ukraine. This is a real war. The whole world sees this, but Putin says – I was forced to attack Ukraine so that NATO would not attack Russia. It’s not just a lie, it’s nonsense!

NO WAR

And now the decisive moment has come when every inhabitant of the Earth must make a choice – choose his side. I choose truth, independence and freedom! I choose Ukraine!

Every inhabitant of my country helps the fight against the invaders. Not everyone has to take up arms. It can be a medical bag, a post on the Internet with the TRUTH, and financial assistance.

I will be immensely grateful to everyone who comments on my post, shares a link on social networks or makes a purchase of pattern in my store. Because I send part of the money I earn to support the Ukrainian army.

Welcome: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/earrings-glory-to-ukraine-pattern/

Prayer for Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!

Posted on January 17, 2022September 5, 2025 by Elena — 6 Comments

Our family fireplace parties.

Cozy family gathering by the fireplace in a Ukrainian home, warm evening atmosphere with handmade decor, photo for the blog by FairyLacefromElena

Our family fireplace parties, or my granddaughter’s amazing tatting ideas.

Hello, everyone! Oh, what a pity that the Holidays end so quickly! Our children and grandchildren are returning to their homes. But we look forward to their new visits and fondly remember our family “Fireplace Parties”. Look how fun the fire is blazing in the fireplace! You can look at the flames for an infinitely long time. Do you agree?

My granddaughter loves these evenings the most. And sometimes I wonder what ideas come to her mind! Once, looking at the Christmas tree outside the window (yes, spruces grow near our house!), My Maria said: “Grandma, can you make a wreath for the Christmas tree? But I want it to look like my braided pigtails!” “Ah, nothing is impossible!” Grandma replied.

The next time the fire in the fireplace inspired my Angel. She wanted to get a bracelet that looked like a flame. I tried hard! Do you think it looks like fire?

And of course, I wanted you to be able by the fireplace, feeling cozy and weaving a beautiful fiery-colored bracelet for your loved ones, to give a piece of your heart warmth along with a “fiery” bracelet! Even if you don’t have a fireplace, you can always turn on internet videos! A detailed tutorial check in my store, please: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/pattern-celtic-bracelet-fireplace-party/

By the way, Maria shared with me another idea. But for now, it’s a secret! I need time to fulfill her fantasies with my tatting, as always.

What family traditions do you have? Share in the comments, please. After all, it is incredibly interesting and fun!

Cozy and creative evenings to you!
I also invite you to visit my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fn-Urybu_A&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ
Subscribe to my blog to stay updated!

Posted on December 31, 2021September 5, 2025 by Elena — 6 Comments

Outgoing year results

Small decorated Christmas tree in a Ukrainian home, festive holiday corner with handmade ornaments, photo by FairyLacefromElena

Outgoing year results, or how to fulfill your creative plans.

Hello, everyone! First, I want to congratulate all of you with the upcoming new year 2022! And with all my heart I wish you health, prosperity, success, peace and love! As well as new creative plans and their implementation.

By the way, a little about the plans. At the beginning of the year, I set myself a difficult task – to create 70 patterns, tutorials or master classes. Yes! I did it, hurray! 2 hours before the new year, I finished and posted the 70th pattern in my store! This cute pattern is called ” Waves of Music”: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/edging-pattern-wave-of-music/

Of course, among my works there were patterns of varying complexity. For example, I created some works in 4-5 days, “in one breath”, I hope you understand me! And some required many changes and alterations. This makes me sad, but I always try to keep the pattern concise and “perfect”.

Please write your opinion in the comments. 70 patterns per year, is that a lot or a little? How long does it take you to create a pattern? Is this process always fast and smooth? It is very important for me to hear your opinion, please.

Oh, I almost forgot! There were 2 more free patterns available on my blog! I overfulfilled the plan, so I’ll allow myself an extra piece of New Year’s cake!

So, my personal outgoing year results made me happy! Of course, this happened thanks to your support, kind words and attention to my work. You always inspire me. And this is priceless, of course.

I will be glad to meet you on my blog, on the YouTube channel, or in social networks! Happy New Year! https://www.youtube.com/ElenaKozinenko

https://www.facebook.com/kozinenkoelena

https://www.pinterest.com/elenakozinenko/_created/

Posted on August 4, 2021September 8, 2025 by Elena — Leave a comment

How to make a triple picot

Close-up of a tatting ring with triple picot on hand, handmade by FairyLacefromElena, from video tutorial

How to make a triple picot, or Romantic Geometry.

Hello, everyone! I recently started a new project – creating a collection of small squares. Of course, everyone knows that a square is a geometric figure. And tatting lace, it seems to me, is a very delicate and romantic art. So I decided to name my collection Romantic Geometry.

Geometry (from the Ancient Greek: γεωμετρία; geo- “earth”, – metron “measurement”) is, with arithmetic, one of the oldest branches of mathematics. It is concerned with properties of space that are related with distance, shape, size, and relative position of figures.

Originally developed to model the physical world, geometry has applications in almost all sciences, and also in art, architecture, and other activities that are related to graphics. Of course, I could not help but use a beautiful geometric shape – a square. In addition, you can assemble a large doily of any size from small squares. To do this, you just need to attach the squares to each other. By the way, from several squares you can make a rectangle too, try it. I’m sure you will like it!

In two new patterns, I use a triple picot. So, You can watch a detailed video tutorial on my channel on how to make a triple picot, welcome:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RkPaIOA9JQ&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

And, of course, six patterns with detailed instructions and graphical diagrams are already available in my store. Welcome! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/

I am always glad to receive your comments and new subscribers. This means I’m not blogging for nothing. Your support is very inspiring to me. Thank you!

Posted on July 9, 2021September 8, 2025 by Elena — 3 Comments

Happy Birthday Polina!

Silver earrings with blue stones, handmade by Polina, showcasing delicate design and craftsmanship

Happy Birthday Polina, or all life in details.

Hello, everyone! I’m sure all of my readers love jewelry. Because we are “girls”! And of course, we are pleased to meet the creators of jewelry. Even if this is not a personal acquaintance, but only an article on the Internet. Therefore, today I want to talk a little about my wonderful friend, amazing lady and talented jewelry designer Polina Rofman. She also has a kind nature and a great sense of humor. You can feel it in the Jewelry that Polina creates for fans of elegant and contemporary style.

In addition, today Polina is celebrating her birthday. Dear Polinochka, please accept my sincere congratulations and best wishes!

Tell us a little about yourself, your family, and how did you got started on Etsy?

I live in Toronto, Ontario . I love this city, it’s new and old at the same time. For me it’s constant inspiration. I work full time and devote my spare time (which I almost don’t have) to my small jewelry business. It’s my passion. I started creating jewelry and accessories in 2011 . I’m completely self-taught. I love beadweaving and complex techniques ,but due to lack of time I don’t make time-consuming pieces very often.

When and how did you become interested in jewelry making?

I have always liked crafting , and I started making simple earrings and stringing necklaces when I couldn’t find affordable and beautiful jewelry for myself. But I didn’t know where to look for supplies, so I went to Dollar stores and bought some cheap headpins and threads. Also I repaired my own broken jewelry and my friends’ jewelry as well. A lot of what I made , I gave to my friends. Oh, I found myself beading every night! So, I became a beadaholic. Of course, I needed to sell , in order to buy new supplies. I think this was my creativity overflowing.

What is your inspiration for each idea and where do you get the ideas?

I get my inspiration from the beautiful nature in Canada. Leaves, flowers, the bluest sky in the world…I love Czech glass beads and use them for my art deco pieces.I love semiprecious gemstones. My favorite style is boho. My friends ask me for some specific design , and I use these ideas in my next pieces.I make jewelry for my two beautiful daughters.

How many hours do you spend every day on beading?

I mostly make jewelry on weekends, as I work till late hours every day.

How did you feel when you sold your first jewelry item on Etsy?

I felt extremely happy! It gave me a boost to make more!

What tools do you use for your craft that you cannot live without?

I use all the tools for making jewelry : different kinds of pliers , wire of all colors and material and leather,and chain.

Do you have another talent or hobby?

Haha, I have no time for more activities than I already perform. I used to sing but now I only sing in the shower.

Your favorite color and shape?

My favorite colors are blue and turquoise. Recently I fell in love with red. My favorite shape is teardrop.

Make a comment here of what ever you would like to say.

My life is full – I do the things I love. I love my family – the name of my shop is a blend of their names – Liza and Iris. My husband supports me.

I admire Polina’s jewelry. Because in my opinion these products are perfect. Color, shape, material, sense of style, harmony of proportions – all this is inherent in Polina’s products. You can see for yourself by visiting her store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lyrisgems

In honor of my friend, I created earrings and named them “Polina”. These earrings are simple at first glance. But I think they are perfect, like my dear friend! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/earrings-polina-tatting-pattern/

Please do not hesitate to congratulate Polina in the comments and visit her store, you will have great pleasure! 🙂