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.

ABS February Challenge

This month, I created two bracelets for the Art Bead Scene Blog February challenge. The inspiration for the challenge is a painting entitled Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose by John Singer Sargent. What was inspiring about the painting is the luminescence the artist brought out in the lanterns and the lilies. The oranges and purple/whites really pop.

I created two bracelets based on the painting in two different color ways. The faux orange jade polymer clay beads are made of translucent clay with a bit of orange, picking up the color of the lanterns. I used one of my favorite textures, an old Christmas snowflake from The Dollar Store. (See one of my previous posts for this bracelet in green jade)

In the first color way a wash of light purple acrylic paint was applied to each bead to highlight the texture. The beads were then linked with screw eyes and the very pretty white/purple glass beads were added as dangles. They give a nice movement to the bracelet. It’s finished with a simple toggle clasp

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The second color way is the same base bead with a wash of dark blue acrylic paint and glass bead dangles in blues, purples and pinks. I like them both, what about you?

First Ever ABS Challenge

I made a commitment to myself to enter challenges and swaps this year to keep myself motivated to create regularly. Well, I had decided to enter the January Art Bead Scene (http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-monthly-challenge.htmlchallenge) based on the painting "Brown River" by Wayne Thiebaud

 

I created a polymer clay cabochon with multiple textures to simulate the fields in the painting. Acrylic paints provided the patina and some fibers add a bit of interest.

The filigree flower also received a patina of gilders paste. Not one new purchased item is used in the piece, I went shopping in my own stash (another goal - use what I have).

I cut it close in uploading my pictures so I’m keeping my fingers crossed the photos made it on time.

Polymer Clay Transfers - Ugh

I have a love/hate relationship with transfers.  I’ve tried a number of techniques with varying degrees of success, but I have in mind a great project (a secret for now) that needs a really good transfer.   I’ve done the project using two transfer types and neither were really what I was looking for.  So, today I’m off to the copy shop to see if a laser copy for a plain paper transfer will work.  We’ll see.

Book Review 1: Soldering Made Simple

Part of my Christmas package included several books, one of which was “Soldering Made Simple. Easy techniques for the kitchen-table jeweler” by Joe Silvera, publication date of 2010 by Kalmbach Books. This book is just what I was looking for in that it focuses on easy to find small torches. I have to admit I’m afraid of using the larger torches so maybe if I start small I can move up as my confidence grows.

The book is beautifully photographed with 111 pages of easy to understand and follow directions. There are 12 jewelry projects that demonstrate various techniques including making head pins, decorative balls, making and soldering jump rings, attaching bails, dapping, and much more. The projects are projects I would enjoy making and wearing. With instructions so clear, I’m sure I could complete the projects while learning new techniques.
One of my goals has been to add metal to my polymer clay jewelry and this book will help me do that. If you have a chance to buy, borrow or check ths book out from the library, do so. I think you’ll find this to be a great resource.