Bead Fest Santa Fe 2011 Day 2

Day 2 of Bead Fest was all about wire working and using cold connections with resin.  Here's a picture of the bracelet from Sharilyn Miller's class which showed us how to make the knot, wire wrap beads, make jump rings and a clasp.  I'll definitely try this again.  Resin is still curing so no pictures yet.

Bead Fest Santa Fe 2011 Day 1

On day 1 of Bead Fest I took a class from Kim St. Jean on bezel making.  Very good class and learned more about the use of a torch and soldering to create the bezel.  We worked in silver and copper and a variety of found objects and stones.  The first piece I created used a turquoise cabochon and silver which was textured and had a liver of sulfur patina applied.  The second piece uses card ephemera and copper.  Much to my dismay, I used one of the letter stamps upside down so the piece isn't great.  I like the concept, not too pleased with my execution.  More to come from Bead Fest.

Experiments with Faux Turquoise

Polymer clay is a wonderful medium to try and replicate natural materials. I’ve worked on a number of faux turquoise recipes over time from very deep blue to light green/blue. The necklace below was inspired by the Royston turquoise mined in Nevada. I mixed the colors of turquoise and brown in various colors. Using the food processor, the clay was processed until it formed various size balls. Burnt umber paint was applied to the nuggets of clay, left to dry and later formed into a log. Slices of the turquoise slab were applied to a base of ecru clay along with slices of faux ivory. The ivory was impressed with various tools to add the design. After curing, the whole piece was covered with burnt umber paint, wiped, sanded and polished.  Mini coins were made to add to the necklace and turquoise glass beads and chain were added to complete the piece.   I really like the look. Hope you enjoy.