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.

Folklore Friday: under lock and key

In this new series, I want to investigate symbols that we often incorporate into our jewelry. I make pieces frequently that have a meaning, a story, an intention, personal symbolism... as do many others. There are iconic images that speak to us regardless of cultural heritage or time, and they are often worn as jewelry, giving them a talismanic function. But not to be too heavy - I promise pictures and inspiration ( I hope) as well!

Keys. The meanings here are very clear - freedom, release, keys to knowledge & inspiration. The reverse: containment, entrapment... But keys also can mean secrecy, trust, rebirth, renewal...

Janus was the  Roman god of the god of beginnings and transitions, thence also of gates, doors, doorways, endings and time. His two faces represent his ability to  look to the future and the past. The month of January was named in honor of him, and he is usually shown holding a key...







Hecate is an ancient goddess, most often shown holding two torches or a key.  She is variously associated with crossroads, entrance-ways, fire, light, the Moon, magic, witchcraft, and knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants. She was associated with earth, sea and sky. Hecate was one of the main gods worshiped in Athenian households as a protective goddess and one who bestowed prosperity and daily blessings on the family.

The Papal Seal/ Coat of Arms showing the keys to Heaven:  "The insignia of the papacy includes the image of two Crossed Keys, one gold and one silver, bound with a red cord. This represents the "keys to the Kingdom of Heaven" ( Matthew 16:19 ).  Jesus's statement to Simon Peter, "whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven".  The silver key symbolises the power to bind and loose on Earth, and the gold key the power to bind and loose in Heaven. " ( Wiki)

My next investigation was to find key, and lock ( or escutcheon) components. With in the team here at AJE there were quite a few; I didn't even venture out into World Wide Web! Jen has created a lamp work bead ON a key, Kristi's escutcheons have gorgeous patina... I could go on.

Clockwise from top left: Kristi Bowman, Jen Cameron, Sue Kennedy, Lesley Watt, me, Diana Ptaszynski, Lesley Watt, Kristi Bowman. 

And in the midst of all this I decided to make a 2 part key mold, in an attempt to have fully 3-dimensional keys to work with in stoneware or porcelain. I made the mold using RTV or two part silicone  putty. I tested the mold...

Making the mold, testing the mold, the first attempts. 

... and it was an epic fail. The keys in earthenware were too fragile. I tried to carve away the excess at the mold seams, and broke them all. I think next I will try the mold with polymer, and perhaps embed a wire inside for strength. And I will try with a sturdy stoneware - the key to success is to keep moving forwards. ( Pun intended. Had to do it...)

Until next time...
Jenny
www.jdaviesreazor.com