Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Experimental Subjects

As I mentioned yesterday, I did some experimenting with some different techniques over the weekend. It was fun not having a specific goal in mind, but just kind of messing around.

The first thing I did was work with the circular link component from this month's Rings 'N Things package:




For some reason, as soon as I saw that component, I just had a flash picture in my head of a moon suspended within the circle and then surrounded by stars. Sometimes that's how my designs come to me - just a quick flash in my head. Often they are gone before I can get them made which is SOOOO frustrating.

But this one stuck around:






I think it's kinda funny that I was putting this piece together while watching the "Harry Potter" movie marathon on the Disney channel this weekend. Oh, and the big star - not really blue. It's clear like the moon - just caught a bit of the flash from the camera. I kinda like the effect, though.


I got all the moon and star crystals and components at Michael's with my 40% off coupon.






The back is a vermeil hook clasp and I used crystals to finish it because I didn't have enough of the hammered chain. I think it works, though.



This is a better shot - without the flash. Only after this design was almost complete did I realize that another cool thing to do would have been to bezel a rivoli crystal with seed beads and crystals and hang it in the center of the link and let it spin and flash. But I don't have time to do much seed beading right now so I'm glad I came up with this design instead.

Then I did more experimentation with my alcohol inks:



This is a mix of three colors plus gold and then I used a rubber stamp to ink some "script" across the surface.




It was a little difficult to get the stamping not to smudge, but considering the effect I was going for, I don't think it's a big deal.





I'm thinking of adding a few flat-back crytals here and there, but then again maybe not. Don't want it to be "too much." The thing I really like is that these wooden bangles are VERY lightweight to wear. I got them at Tall Mouse and they come in different sizes and shapes.

I had so much fun doing this that I had to make another one. But this one I added an interesting new detail to:




I used my Fiskars craft drill and drilled holes all the way around and strung gold chain through them! This was another "flash picture" inspiration. I just got this pic in my head at the store of these bracelets with chain woven around them.




I think I'm going to add a few crystal dangles and/or charms to the chain sections. If I do this again, I think I would do larger holes and a chunkier chain.

The stamping went better on this one as I got a little more practiced at it. The only issue I had with this technique is that I don't have a vise to hold the item still while I'm drilling it. The bracelet kept moving so some of my holes are not exactly even. Obviously, I need a vise!

Then I decided to join the resin-bezeling craze:




Because I have had experience from years ago (not a happy one) using a 2-part resin, I was a little hesitant to try it again so I did these pieces with Diamond Glaze. The cloudiness on the larger bezel piece is more a function of my unskilled photography, I think, because it's perfectly clear in real life.
Results were mixed. I liked that I didn't have to mix anything up like you do with the actual resin and therefore no worries about getting the ratio right and making bubbles, etc. I don't think the DG is quite as clear as the resin - however, my past experiments with resin turned yellow over the years.
Lastly, I did a good job of not allowing bubbles to form when initially pouring out the DG and I got rid of any that did using a toothpick, but when I came to check on the drying process a whole mass of bubbles had appeared out of nowhere. Fortunately, the DG was still wet enough that I was able to get rid of the bubbles, but if I'd waited longer to check, the piece would have been ruined.
Also, I didn't have any cool charms or doo-dads to add to the picture which makes these kinda boring, but last night I experimented with adding color (tried dye re-inkers and food coloring), pearlization (used Powdered Pearls pigments) and sparkle (used glitter). The little mixing samples all came out really well - although the dye re-inker version was really dark, but that could have just been the color I used (super dark purple). I can't wait to try actually filling bezels with some of these. I may even un-bend and get the ICE resin - it's on sale at Fusion Beads this week!

Last, but not least, the postman brought me my order from Interweave Press's "hurt book" sale:



I got two books for about $4 each! I can't tell why they were in the "hurt" pile, either. Can't find a thing wrong with either of them.




Whew! Okay, my fingers are tired. That was a massive update. I think I need food now.

KJ

9 comments:

Kristen said...

I Love your necklace, it IS very Harry Potterish! :) Great job on the other pieces too!

TesoriTrovati said...

Great fun! I haven't yet figured out what to do with those Rings & Things components, but I haven't had much studio time yet either. I am hoping that this week might be different...or maybe not! I love the celestial necklace. Great mix of charms and chain. And the resin is a lot of fun. Do get the ICE Resin. It really is fabulous. I have been experimenting with Gel du Soleil which cures in about 20 min in the sun or under a UV lamp (I have one of those too). Your bangles are really fun. I like the mix of colors. I am not much of a bracelet gal, but those look like fun with a bright sundress.
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Unknown said...

Love the necklace! the crystal beads are perfect!

sharon said...

Looove the moon and star necklace....very nice!! I don't wear too many bangles because my big clunkly hands won't go in them! I have tried diamond glaze, but was not all that impressed...not my thing I guess, but your pendants are lovely, and wow, you've been busy!!

SummersStudio said...

Wow, what a lot of experimentation! I especially like the alcohol inks. I think I'd like to try those someday. Resin kind of scares me but fascinates me too. Thanks so much for all of your details along the way.

Cindy said...

I'm glad to have found your blog. You are one busy lady with all of the creations you have shared. Your new necklace is very pretty! And I'm intrigued by the process of how you made your bangles. I just discovered inking on metal...I never was a stamping person but this open some new doors. Your resin pendants are pretty as well!

Silver Parrot said...

Thank you so much, everyone. Really appreciate the comments!

mom23boys said...

LOVE the necklace. So beautiful!

Dave Robertson said...

Wow! What a productive time in the studio. I really like each of these projects, and I'll specifically say that your use of the various components in the 'Harry Potter' necklace is very inventive. Nice work.

--Dave