Texture Time

It's been awhile since I've shared my obsession for texture.

This time I have something very interesting and unusual to share as far as texture goes.

Your eyes are not deceiving you, it's Romanesco Cauliflower/Broccoli!

Isn't it beautiful and unusual, possibly right up there at the top of my list for interesting texture and an amazing Chartreuse color as well.

I found a couple of good areas that had a pretty large amount of flatish spaces that had no damage and pulled out my 2 part mold and made a couple of textures.

I must admit this is the first time I've taken texture from food so had no idea how it would turn out.

This is the result of one of the molds, an amazing amount of detail!

These are the results, pretty cool!!

I'm definitely going to work on getting better and cleaner molds and trying again.

It started as more of a bit of fun but actually turned out to be something I really like.

Goes to show if you think it might work investigate further or if you can just do it, you never know!!!

I played around with a different technique which gives a much deeper dimensional look.

These are unfired and the little bit of shrinkage that happens during firing should make them even sharper.

Now I think I need to work on getting an even better texture from that vegetable!!

I also pulled out my Scratch Foam and started to play, it's been awhile and I'll share my results some time in a later post. For those who don't know what Scratch Foam is take a look at my earlier post where I show a little bit more detail about it and also a previous post about 2 part mold.

Kristi

KristiBowmanDesign.Etsy

Fold-Forming Metal Foliage

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take a workshop at Riker Hill Art Park at my friend, Sue Sachs studio.  Back when I worked in corporate America, I took weekly lessons up there.  Once I left to become a full time bead maker, I lacked the regular cash flow to keep going (But I sure did reduce my stress level!).  Every so often, I like to take a full day workshop so that my skills don't get too rusty.  Yesterday's workshop was Leaves and Vines although I focused entirely on the leaf portion.

I started by folding some 22 gauge copper over itself and then pounding it flat with a mallet.

I kept the design simple since I haven't done any hand-sawing in awhile.

Once the piece was cut-out, I drilled a tiny hole in the top, did a bit of sanding and then annealed it.  Once annealed, I opened it up.

After I had three leaves ready, I dropped them all in the pickle.

After they were pickled and rinsed, I used the torch flame to heat patina each one.  The nice thing about this method is that if you don't like the results, you pickle the piece again and can start over.  Tonight I will apply a layer of renaissance wax to each leaf to help seal the patina.

The next time I'm up at the studio, I plan to cut out some more leaves and torch enamel each one.

Happy Beading!

Diana P.
Suburban Girl Studio LLC

Earring Challenge Reveal 21 - Weeks 43 & 44

Here we are, time for another Earring Challenge Reveal!  Hard to believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner!  We didn't have many entries this time around, I guess everyone is just getting busy and it's nearing the end of the year!

But here are two pairs of earrings for you to drool over.  First, Alice Peterson!  She used Marla's Mud daggers and red jasper - I really like the contrast on colors!

Second, we have Sarajo Wentling - she made some cute earrings with little lampwork spacers!

And finally, I thought I'd show you what I am currently obsessed with - beaded beads!  I am having a ball with all things seed beads - hope to start on some beaded ropes soon for necklaces!

Join us in two weeks for the next reveal - almost there!

Susan Kennedy

SueBeads

Christmas. Do you make it? Do you wear it?

I know for myself, I don't think about winter and Christmas themed beads or jewelry until the season is right upon us. Admit it, it is a bit hard to think creatively about winter when it's still only summer! And so I'm always a bit late to the party and sadly have little to bring. This year it's my little sleepy red-nosed reindeer again—I have the first batch in progress now.

But now ideas for snowmen, snowflakes, forest scenes of pines and bare grey trees, and mittens are filling my mind too. Should I give them a try?

I also think that I delay because I, myself am not really a "Christmas-y" person. I've never been one to show it off in my wardrobe and making Christmas jewelry is something I simply can not do. And so as I think about making those beads and the fact that I've never really been able to use them myself, I wonder just how many people will want what I make… or will I even like what I make?

Now, this isn't to say I don't like Christmas beads and jewelry—in fact it's the very opposite! There are so many lovely beads that fill my heart with nostalgia. And gorgeous handmade jewelry to make anyone swoon. I love this time of year the most and so it makes me a bit sad I can't get it all to work for me. I admire those of you who can do it with such skill and beauty!

I've decided to give myself a bigger push in the winter direction (maybe Christmas designs will come later) and see where it leads me. My start was my new Arctic Hares—they're white and winter-y and don't scream Christmas too loudly. We shall see how it goes…

 Arctic foxes will be next and maybe snowy owls… Hmmm…

And now for some Christmas eye candy to inspire us all!

LindaLandigJewelry

blueberribeads

suburbangirlbeads

kylieparry

WondrousStrange

humblebeads

maryhardingjewelry

suebeads

THEAElements

KristiBowmanDesign

Yes, I'm in awe of you ladies who make these beauties! You inspire me!

So, what about you, dear readers? Do you make Christmas themed beads, components, or jewelry? Do you wear them yourself? Or are you like me and can't seem to get the Christmas theme to work for you? Do share!