Playin ‘ with Patinas

Patinas 1

Patina (/ˈpætɨnə/ or /pəˈtnə/) is a tarnish that forms on the surface of copper, bronze and similar metals (produced by oxidation or other chemical processes); or any such acquired change of a surface through age and exposure. Patinas can provide a protective layer to materials that would otherwise be damaged by corrosion or weathering. They may also be aesthetically appealing.

It’s a cool and gloomy day in the valley-just perfect for playing in the shop! Quite by mistake I left some sheets of etched brass sitting on the bench, wet. Like for 2 weeks. When I finally got around to doing something with them, they’d developed all kinds of “interesting” colors on them. When they came out of their regular antique solution, the colors changed but were replaced with this fabulous brown/red/green tint to parts of them. A sealant coat made the colors just pop. I just love this look!

These 3 pieces are destined to become bracelets – And I am going back to the shop to try to remember exactly what I did to get this result…with my memory, will be a minor miracle if that happens.

More to come-

 

 

Just in Time!

IMG_8774My latest shipment of Sari Silk ribbons just arrived-they are gorgeous!!! Recycled from vintage silk saris, these ribbons are made at a fair trade family operated co-op in India. ( Proceeds help women in India and Nepal support their families and gets rid of landfill waste).
Wasn’t hard to figure out what to do with them-just finished a fabulous tutorial by the super-talented Deryn Mentock, so dove right in. These wrapped beads are what resulted…now what to make? Possibilities are endless-love playin’ with pretty things:)

I know some of these will end up as baby headbands-my photographer daughter Dani uses them in her baby shots-too cute!  Lovin’ silk must run in the family….