TUESDSAY - etching on metal!

Day 2 of learning one new thing a week.

I’ve wanted to learn metal etching for some time now and it’s what I had planned for my Tuesday session but it was rainy and grey out that morning and I wasn’t feeling my best. I struggled with the idea of snuggling with a blanket and a good book.  However, I just couldn’t give up so soon on my newly formed pack to learn something new each day this week (see previous article below), so I got my fanny off the couch and into my studio.   

I re-read all the tutorials I saved the last 2 years, gathered up all the necessary items needed and spent my afternoon sawing, stamping and etching copper. Oh baby, what fun!!!  Yup, this technique is a keeper and I will be making lots more of these that’s for sure.  Can’t wait to use my Zentangle drawings to make my own texture plates.  My head is swimming with ideas and the things I can do now.  Glad I didn’t cop out and read a book today!!!  

Here are my first two metal etching plates

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My First Video

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

This week my goals are to learn one new thing a day!  We'll see how well that goes. I have a long list of things I've been "going to do".  New technique or things I've wanted to learn for ages.  You know what I'm talking about because I know you too have a list just waiting in the wings also.  We keep pushing those things to the side and tell ourselves, I'll do it later when I have the time.  Well, that time never comes unless we make it happen!

So today I'm putting my new plan into action and will explore one new thing Monday through Friday of this week. Whew!!!!!   By Friday I will have learned 5 new things and can't wait to share them here with you. Let the fun begin!!!!!

Day 1 - Monday's new adventure - Learn how to make a video using my photos! 
Why start with something simple and since I've wondered for a long time how to make a video using the many photos I've taken of my jewelry designs I decided this is the place to start, and while I'm at it, I might as well learn how to add music too.

Well, I did it!   Thanks to "You Tube" and a little talent and computer know how on my part and about 4 hours of my time, I have created my first video!   I'm on a roll now and can't wait to make more and learn how to manipulate the program even more.  I hope you enjoy the first of what I hope will be many more videos this coming year.

I Can't Stop....

Creating these vintage necklaces is my new legal addiction!  Over the winter I spent hours going to estate sales and antique shops looking for pieces to use in my new line of jewelry.  I feel like a little kid in a candy shop as I try to decide which brooch from my stash I will work with.   Once I finally pick out a piece the fun begins as I work to turn these old relics into new upscale creation.   I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

I used vintage grey pearls and some pretty open work silver beads I've had for ages in this necklace.  I left the pin back intact on this unique brooch and hung a double strand of pearls from the pin that can easily be removed if you desire. 

This vintage fur clip is so delicate and pretty.  Even the clip on the back has pretty filigree work, I just couldn't cut it off, so I left it attached to the clip. I purchased an old multi-strand necklace that was quiet ugly but after I took it apart I loved the chains and found they worked well in this design. The top stone on the clip is pale yellow and I wanted to complement that by adding soft yellow crystal dangles from the vintage chain.  Simply stunning!

 This 3 layer dimensional gold-tone pin is so unique.  I combined different styles and colors of pearls, crystals, and a bronze "dream" connector  I made. Then finished it off with bronze chain. 

I purchased several small rhinestone scatter pins that I thought would work with the bronze word pendants I've been making.  Using amazonite square stones and tiny vintage pearls  to complete the look.  Love, love, love this one.  I may need to keep this one!!!

This lovely rhinestone heart brooch was missing the center stone but I decided not to replace it as it has such great character.  Using a big hollow glass vintage bead made in Japan back in the 70's along with pearls and oval textured bronze chain completes the look.

And last but not least is this sweet necklace.  I found an old button with this precious woman and bird and knew I had to have it.  Then I made a mold of it to so that I could cast pieces to use in my designs.   This necklace has old vintage cream pearls, a lovely Lucite cabbage rose flower and peach faceted crystal beads on a bronze chain.  Pretty Pretty!!!!  

My studio is calling, I hear these vintage brooches calling out to me.  So, I'm off to work my magic and create more pretties for you to love.

 

April 14th Spring Market

Mark this coming Sunday on your calendar and get ready to shop.  I hear this is a great show!   I look forward to being there and will have some special close out prices on old designs and you can get a sneak peak of my new line of Vintage made designs.
 Hope you can make it!!!!!