Stepping out of my comfort zone just a bit.

There have been an abundance of amazing posts from our team so I was getting a bit nervous about keeping up with the high standards you are used to from us.  Funny thing is I have been worring about this measuring up thing in all aspects of my life and it is even getting on my own nerves.  No more of this and to really put a stamp on this I went out of my comfort zone with beading with the help of the new Beadwork magazine.

I saw this piece designed by Lanai Kinsky. frankly I have been wanting to combine beadwork and metal for a long time but if you know anything about my ventures into anything wire related you know this really tested me.

I knew instantly that I already had the focal key but not this type.  At Beadfest I was lucky enough to snag one of Jennifer's keys.  I have actually loved each and every one she has shown even when she said she didn't.

First test was to break the "bead ban" and get the supplies needed.  It was easier to say yes to these supplies because I do not own chain, links or clasps like these.  Waiting is the worst part when ordering beads isn't it?

After the findings arrived I had to get over the fear of using them.  I am someone who worries about every little edge on beads and if they will snag the thread and how many passes I will need to make to make it secure.

Working with Lanai's pattern was a bit of a challenge too.  Because of publication restraints there are key hints and tips that can not be included.  Once I figured them out on my own these components were a breeze to stitch up which was really good as I had the stomach bug while making it.  Only able to sit upright for long stretches.

Here is my finished piece.

So what did I learn?  First I like chain.  I will have to get more.  Second I really really like long necklaces.  I think they can dress up a plain t shirt and honestly they make me smile.

Have you ventured out of your comfort zone lately?

Freeform Friday: Trash to treasure

Trash to treasure. We all know the phrase. But for the last week its been my job.  I was trying to think of a topic for this post as all I have been doing is sorting, tossing, packaging, purging... Oh! That is the post!

My Dad is here, working on cleaning out my parents old house. As my parents are happily settled in new digs in Austin - its not a sad, heartbreaking experience... but the process is still exhausting mentally and physically, and a little depressing.  We have a dumpster... and we clearly know how to use it! (Picture was taken on Day 2 of 7!)

My brother ( on left) and husband ( on right ) surveying the territory. 

Clothes for vintage sales, clothes for Goodwill. Love letters from my maternal grandparents, nothing too racy as they were "courting" from 1917 to 1921! Cards drawn by my sisters and I for birthdays...moth eaten stuffed animals... so many memories to revisit, honor and then let go. 

But amidst the flotsam and jetsam there are treasures to be had!!! You know I am a mixed media artist and sometimes the strangest things spark an idea. Let me show you a few things I happily adopted this week:

1. Vintage clock keys - wire wrapped? Annealed, drilled? Necklace focal or shrine insert? 

2. Dutch (?) painted porcelain button - gabled house and ships beyond. Peyote stitch bezel? polymer?    Focal on a shrine exterior to draw you in? 

3. Vintage celluloid (early plastic) horse. I am thinking it was a Cracker Jack prize back in the day - before my time. Resin? Featured in a shadowbox pendant? 

4. Rhinestone bling - broken costume jewelry... Really - no idea. The magpie in me was drawn to the "shiny!"

1. Wee glass bottles ( above tins in top pix) - wire wrapped? Circular peyote around the neck? Corks? Contents? Those tins? Definitely shrine pendants. Altered, manipulated, and secret relics added inside... 

2. Id bracelet blank, vintage Mexican silver earring - My Mom saved one earring. Who knows the reason. Its stunning. 

3. Broken small pocket watch - no question here. I am just going to polish it and wear it on a long necklace with chunky gemstones!

Books! 

Derelict, dying, decrepit books. Old dictionaries, and foreign language texts are the best. Why? Words under resin! Lining a shrine interior! Text is a favorite of mine to incorporate into much of my work. 

Sorry to be brief - I hope you enjoyed seeing my finds... Its late here Thursday night - I look forward to a bit of down time this weekend (its been dialed up to 11 since before Beadfest) and then the studio next week! Stay tuned for more adventures... 

Brother - waving goodbye from way over there across the vista of detritus. 

Jenny 

www.jdaviesreazor.com

Key to My Heart...

A couple of weeks ago, I shared my Molten Morsel components for AJE's Component of the Month challenge for August.  I was wowed by the wonderful comments I got for them...you are the best readers ever!  One of the favorites of the morsels, it seems, was the oval "key" component.

I haven't really incorporated actual keys or key images into my work before, but I must admit that I am drawn to them.  I always look for them if I am out and about browsing antique and/or thrift shops.

Antique market finds!

What is it about these vintage, ornate (or not) keys?  It seems I am not alone in my love and fascination for them...they seem to evoke some romantic and mysterious vibe. If you search for "antique keys" or "skeleton keys" on Pinterest you come up with loads of stuff!  FYI...Did you know that a "skeleton key" refers to a specific type of antique key that actually is able to unlock multiple doors, and many that are referred to as skeleton keys, are not at all!  Here is an interesting article I stumbled upon while reading up.  http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/unlocking-the-riddle-of-skeleton-key-necklaces/

This week, after looking at keys and different designs, I decided to create one out of copper sheet.  I traced a key I have onto copper sheet, sawed it out, filed it, embossed it, and gave it a LOS bath.  It turned out cute, but I decided it was lonely.  I then cut out a free-form heart shape, added a key hole, dapped it and enameled it in a pretty red shade.  Not to leave anyone guessing, I added a tag stamped with "key to my heart".  Cute...they will probably become a simple necklace. Note to self...use heavier gauge sheet for future attempts!

A few other beautiful examples of key love...

Ceramic pendants by Jenny Davies-Reazor

Bronze clay heart and key by Lesley Watt

Brass key with patina by Sue Kennedy

Lampwork necklace by VenBead

Do you share my love of antique keys?  Have you incorporated vintage keys in your designs? Tell us about it!

Happy Saturday!

Melissa Meman
Melismatic Art Jewelry
Art. Life. Love.