Salvage works!

Well I thought this blog was about Polymer Clay! Yes, yes it is supposed to be my journey. I have been on a detour of sorts I suppose. I did finish this clay piece recently and love how it turned out.

Confession: The faces are made of clay, but actually I created them a couple years ago! I had formed a whole batch of these guys with my new mold maker then forgot them in the oven. Fried faces! So they sat for quite some time. Last summer I collaged them together thinking I might salvage the mess and make a brooch. Still not happy with the results so there they sat, staring at me just begging to come alive. Months went by then inspiration finally hit a couple weeks ago. I applied a patina look with acrylic paints. A little copper here a little turquoise there... wow, the results were happy! I finished the back, still intending a brooch but at the very last minute decided hmmmm.... no this is a pendant. I inlayed a tunnel across the back and gave it a final bake. The stringing came out of nowhere, it just seemed to call for a natural look. The multi strands of leather coupled with the Salwag nuts compliment the colors just right. Bringing in metal elements of copper was the finishing touch. I am completely satisfied with the end result.... 2 years in the making!

2009 Your Designs Rock Contest

I entered the yearly "Your Designs Rock" contest put on by Rings & Things. The winners were announced last week, and..... drum roll...... the winner is....... "not me!" But hey, that is okay! I had a great time designing my entries. I have never entered a contest before so it was really exciting anticipating the outcome. Above is "Spring Bling", my entry in the Crystal and Glass Category. I submitted 3 entries in three different categories. Quite a bold step especially considering I really have not alot of experience beading. So now I wait for January, maybe my entries will grace the pages of the 2010 R&T catalog. Meanwhile, here are my other two entries:

You really need to click on each picture to get the 'full size' view, details!

Where oh where has my little blog gone?

Oh man I have neglected my blog AGAIN! Maybe blogging isn't for me? Once more I will try to post something more often. Last fall I ran acrossed a sale on Etsy. A gal was completely unloading her gemstone beads. The prices were incredible and although I dont do a whole lot of gemstone beading, I could not pass up the savings. So I bought a heap of genuine stuff. Then it took me a good six months to gather knowledge in materials and techniques, I wanted to create some really 'nice' pieces. So this past weekend I finally took some pictures of my recent results.

Above is a long and chunky jasper mix chain. It comes together mid-chest with the ends creating a tassle effect. The brass Chinese Knife Money charms tinkle against the stones. This necklace makes a huge statement, really a fun piece. I must confess, I am not totally happy with it at this point. While it is long enough to fit over my head - I want to remove the big white stone in the back and replace it with a large brass closure. I just have to find the right set. I imagine a couple of large brass hook type closures but haven't run acrossed the perfect choice yet. Might have to settle for a toggle clasp I found at Rings & Things. What do you think? (420)