Some new pieces I’ve been working on involve semi-precious stones…this collection will be appearing soon at the Creston Valley Visitor’s Center. It features Dragon Blood Jasper (just how cool is that?!) and Carnelian faceted beads. And a bit of etching..and wire wrapping–oh heck, just stop by and have a look-see!
I’m usually much better organized about recording times, dates and content of all my pieces…however, this one got missed and it just happens to be one of my very most all time favourites. How can you not just love the colours, shape and textures–etching, layers and patinas-with a rock on top. Yup-my kinda’ wonderful.
I had a challenge to these folks on how many unique items they could create from just a 4×6″ piece of metal-these are only a few of the pieces they ended up with- more to come. They were just amazing-so much time, care and effort was put into selecting their stamps and original designs! It is soooo rewarding to stand back and watch creativity happening, I am sure I get far more from these sessions than the attendees….
Etchings were a huge success-way to go ladies!! No casualties, no stress-was an awesome day!
I am far from being an expert or even an decent beginner at repoussé but I have been having so much fun with using some of these time tested techniques, just had to share…I call it “poufy stuff” -poufy hearts, leaves, circles, ovals and a myriad of other shapes I just can’t stop thinking about-and drawing, and hammering on. A lot.
And that’s all I have to say about “poufy”…
Really not sure if this is the common name for these little gems but I can tell you, making them nearly “tipped” me over the edge…I etched some copper tube and then cut it into segments, cut out and domed caps to fit-then proceeded to put it all together–soldering teeny, tiny parts…like real teeny. After more than a dozen attempts, here is what I have to show for it all–
And am lovin’ the results…just not sure the effort required is something I will do again–it was a LOT of work!!! Also did a few 10 ga. copper textured rings-soooo much easier than the tubes! Now I am off to find a terrific project to use them in!
If you are a photographer, you are very familiar with those “golden hours (sometimes known as the magic hour, especially in cinematography) – a period shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which daylight is redder and softer compared to when the Sun is higher in the sky.” Well, right now those magical moments come streaming through my workshop between 4-6 pm every afternoon…I will do almost anything I can to be there ..today was one of “those” moments…
My work bench was flooded with warm light, and not only do the beads and rocks sparkle and shine, I can see beautifully without my glasses, and my old back and shoulders are doing a happy dance with the sun’s warmth acting like a soft masseuse…Yes, I live for moments like these…♥♥♥
Today was my “get it together” day–lots half finished pieces finally found their forever, homes …feels great! Also got the shop cleaned up-too bad it won’t stay that way very long.
Playing with bails, a bit of Viking Knit chain, repousse, and a bit of leather cord thrown in for good measure..and did I mention rocks and an old silver spoon? A veritable brew of all my favourite things so how bad can that possibly be?
Just because I’m still metric “challenged”, I ordered some beautiful Prehenite and Chalcendony (rocks)..and couldn’t wait for them to arrive-only to find they were the size of a small car–well almost. Am seriously hoping a spin in the tumbler will knock them down to a manageable size–eventually…before I get really old.
Aren’t they just yummy?
Come back in a couple weeks and see what I end up with, it’s always a surprise…kind of like my life in general, which isn’t a bad thing.
What an absolutely perfect day–grey skies and pounding rain-I got to spend it in the shop with 8 amazingly gifted women..
We started off bending wire, then soldering/cooking it….the smoke fumes were just a bit thick at times..
..they were shown a few very basic techniques-and look where they took them to…Knowing this is just a glimpse of what may be to come has my heart doing flip flops–(-think that’s an official term) ….surrounded by such inspiring, souls–life is good. Wishing you the same and more!
Who says living in a little town mean the shopping options are lacking…look what I found today in my favorite little rock and gem store – Sandy and Kevin at Gold N Treasures are amazing- this shop has just a bit of everything for the rock/craft/gemstone crew…and if you are into gold panning, this shop is the Mother Lode…I digress… These amazing semi precious stones will be available for my class this coming weekend-with hopefully a few more selections-am going back tomorrow…. to rummage through whatever I missed today..:) Oh happy Friday!
