Monday Miscellany - Gunmetal Circles Choker

Summer doesn't end on Labor Day weekend, but there's a definite feeling that it's really over when I go back to work on the Tuesday after. The weather here will probably stay mild for quite a while - well into October usually. The weather forecast for next week has temperatures in the upper 80s with one day's high at 90, so I'm not putting away my short sleeved shirts and lightweight slacks quite yet. Still, I'm mentally ready to start pulling out the autumn colors if for nothing more than the change of pace.

Because my Fall and Winter wardrobe has a lot of black and gray, I've kept an eye out for gunmetal chain and findings. I've also a fair amount of brown and rust color pieces, so antique gold and brass get picked up, too.

With that in mind, when I visited Michael's on Friday to pick up, oh, one or two essentials for the long weekend (ha! thank goodness I remembered my 15% off coupon) and found an good assortment of gunmetal items, I ended up grabbing quite a bit. One of my selections, from the Plaid "Bad Apple" display, inspired me to grab the remaining Rings & Things gluable challenge bracelet blank (which has been sitting on my worktable mocking me ever since March '09) and make something with it. There's no glue involved, however.

I've used black and purple jump rings from the Blue Buddha Boutique assortment I bought several months ago to connect the rings, except for the ones attached to the bracelet blank, which are gunmetal. I've resisted the temptation to do anything more to it so far. I think keeping it simple works.

During that same trip on Friday I bought some alcohol inks, clear unmounted stamps (and acrylic blocks so they can be more easily used for stamping), rubber stamps, embossing powder, a heat gun, memory glass, memory glass frames, black chain and findings, more gunmetal chain and findings, brass chain and findings some new beads and a package of Shrinky Dink plastic. After reading Beyond the Bead I have serious urges to try all sorts of new things. Experimentation makes me a little bit nervous, but recently I've come to see that even the experimental failures have taught me valuable things and improved my work in the long run.

Well, that's it for today. If you're American, hope you're enjoying your Labor Day and I wish everyone a lovely day and a good week. See you tomorrow for Tuesday Tidbits.

Inchie Brass Frame Pendant How To

A touching nursery scene on the cover.
Wait, does that kid at the lower left look ready to bite the sleeping cat, or what?

One of the books my mom had been given, passed down I'm guessing from a relative, someone named Oliver who received it from Edward in 1907.

The book was published in 1899.

It has now passed on to me, the Fairy Picture and ABC Book. It's in pretty sad shape, but I hope to keep it preserved well enough to pass on to my son or daughter if they have children.

Each page has a one color illustration, the first section is illustrated ABC rhymes and the back of the book is nursery rhymes.

This kid has an evil look to him - wonder what he's going to do once he's over that wall...

I scanned several pages, not really knowing exactly what I would do with them, but wanted them available when a particle of inspiration managed to zip into my head.

I had an idea Sunday morning to use these scans in the 1 inch square brass frames from Rings & Things sent as part of their March Gluable Challenge package and remembering a post on their blog about "inchies". By the way, they sell the frames by the dozen. Remember there are 12 to a dozen and if you really don't want 72 frames, don't put "6" in the amount box. Voice of Experience speaking. No worries though, the price is great and I'm sure I'll have lots of ideas for them in the years, nay, decades to come, and never need to re-supply.

Wanna know what I did? I'm telling anyway.

First, I got out my box of Office Depot Glossy Sticker paper. Then I used the Microsoft Picture Editor that came with the MSOffice programs installed on my computer. It's easy, so I use it a lot. I'm sure any picture editing software would provide the same tools.

I took one of the scans

and cropped it square then re-sized it to 160 x160 pixels.

I put one sheet of the glossy paper into the printer. Think that's a rather obvious step to mention? Heh, it wasn't to me...putting in multiple sheets led to some sticking together and messing up the printing.

Because I'm using the Office Photo Editor program to print it, and I wanted an "original size" print, the only way I could figure out how to do that was to use the "contact sheet" selection in the printing wizard. That meant that I just got one small 1" picture on the page.

Not wanting to waste the limited supply of glossy sticker paper I have, I had to trim the sheet after cutting out the print and re-use the remaining paper.

Also, it's a good thing to remember to put it back in the printer and not waste plain paper (Voice of Experience speaking again).

Next, I trimmed it to 1x1 inch

and stuck it on the brass frame.

Peeling off the sticker isn't as easy as you might think. Hint: turn pic over, use edge of scissor blade and, as if you were curling ribbon, pull a corner (carefully!) over the blade to get a curl. You can fairly easily separate the backing from the sticker at the corner then. Don't press it fully down until you've checked to see if it's centered and squared up. Once you've lifted and replaced it about eight times to get it right (saith the VOE yet again) smooth down from one corner or one side to another to try and keep out air bubbles between the frame and the sticker.

Talk about thumbnails - that one needs a good manicure.


Three frames with sticker pictures - what's next?

What's next is up to you - embellish and seal, just seal and use a fancy chain, maybe with charms or dangles. I thought I'd add some small embellishments and got out my new rub-ons from Alpha Stamps.

Guess what, you should put the rub-ons on the sticker before you put the sticker on the frame. Decided not to use the rub-ons. Got out some scrapbooking stickers and some tiny brass bead caps. (VOE now has this stored in her permanent memory).

I played around with tiny chain and some trimmed up filigree bits - didn't use them, too big or too fiddly. Even made some 28 gauge wire spirals and hammered them flat, wasn't happy with that either. Stuck to stickers and the bead caps (which have a bit of a dome to them, so I wacked 'em with the chasing hammer to flatten). Trimmed one bead cap so it could be a corner piece.

I put a sticker in the corner of the green picture, added the bead cap and Mod-Podged the whole thing. The stuff I learned about Mod-Podging, I've added to the VOE files. Suffice it to say, a little goes a long way, it sets up pretty fast and using one's finger leaves lots of lines.

Filled the holes in the bead cap with some gold leaf paint and called it a day. I'm going to fiddle with it more, but I need to get some other stuff done and this post is nearly novel-length as it is. Here's what it looks like for now:

I will probably put the frame pendants on cord, maybe chain, and embellish with something sparkly and dangly from the jump ring that connects the frame to the necklace. When I finish them, I'll be sure to share them with you.

Fairy Tale Fairy Elf Prince says, "That was fun! Here's a rose."

Look Where The Beadin' Path Took Me!

Remember those Bead Club beads I got? I've been working on some bracelets with them!

Made with some of the "Luscious Luster" April bead club beads from The Beadin' Path. These are 10mm faceted Czech glass described as "We selected some lush yet spring inspired shades we don't usually come across at our usual glass suppliers". I chose Swarovski crystal bi-cones, sterling or gold filled beads, sterling or gold filled links and Tierra Cast bead caps, and floral embellished fancy toggles to complete the design.

These are probably the most ornate bracelets I've ever made, but the beads are really luscious and inspired me to a more glamourous look. They'll be listed at my shop on Art Fire until May 21 then they go to the con with me if they aren't already sold.

P.S. For anyone who saw this Sunday at the tail end of my Wanderings post - that was what we call a user error...I meant to cut that part and make a separate post, which I've now done. So, yeah, it's a bit of deja vu for you, sorry!

And now a word from our sponsor:

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A New Gluable Challenge Review - Plus! Free Project Tutorial

I'm gratefully noticing that I wasn't the last person in the beading blogosphere to post about the Rings & Things Gluable challenge (especially since I've gotten the new items to do, now, as well.)

Art Bead Scene has posted their Gluable Challenge review and a picture of a stunning bracelet, and Heather from Humblebeads has posted a free tutorial for using the gluable disk and loop bracelet on her blog.

I never did post how I finished off my deconstructed bracelet...and I'm still pretty sure it's *still* not finished...so the next step in the tutorial is "Glue mother of pearl disks to bracelet." I used E6000, so I'm going to let it set overnight before I fiddle anymore.

The disks have lengthwise holes drilled in them, which I've positioned to the sides so they're not so visible, but it got me to thinking about adding a small decorative bead on top of the MOP disks, using some thin wire through the holes...or maybe trying some seed beads...or who knows what else will come to mind! I'll post an update on any progress I make.

Is anyone interested in some of the brass gluable pendant frames (see here for squares and here for the rectangles) after seeing all the cool things you can make with them?

I have a bit of an overstock...really wasn't thinking clearly when I ordered 6 dozen of each type...You can email me at beadedbadgelanyards (at) gmail (dot) com to discuss details.

Random Necklace - Finis...?

I want to start off sharing new posts I've seen recently about the Gluable Challenge. They are all such clever crafters!

*melanie* at Earthenwood Studios blog - baby moon faces and re-purposed bracelet turned into a necklace all using beautiful ceramics. I'm saving up for a big purchase from Earthenwood some day, I love their work!

Tammy Powley at Crafty Princess Diaries showed of her fun fish bracelet and a cool quote on the brass frame

And Lisa over at A Bead A Day did this very cool bracelet using scrapbooking brads she modified and glued to the disk and loop bracelet form (reminds me of 60s Op Art Posters)


Now, on to the thrilling conclusion of the Random Necklace Adventure...

I pondered and piddled around with it some more today, and here's the finished* piece, which hangs about 24" from the neckline, so it's about 48" around - weighs in at almost a 1/4 lb (3.8 oz). Here's how it (approximately, since this obviously isn't my neckline...) looks doubled when I tried it on - you may notice my concession to pattern and order with the focal point in the center of the bottom loop:

In this shot I highlight the randomness (but not an ability to focus the camera - it looks focused in that tiny window, but my eyes aren't so good anymore - even with my glasses on, maybe it's time for a new prescription):

And this last shot was just to show it full length (I drug in that branch the other day thinking I might use some of the smaller branches for earring photos...DH just rolled his eyes).

*finished as in I may or may not change my mind, but I did put the finishing hardware on it, but I can always take it apart and try again...someday...maybe or maybe not...don't you love how I'm so definite?

I Finally Made Something Else for the Gluable Challenge - Rectangular Frame

Finally, a sunny day! Got out the MagicGlos and one of my Rings & Things Gluable Challenge frames.

I used the Rectangular frame (Stock#: 49-440-0 Approx. 52x13mm rectangle brass picture-frame charms, 3.5-3.8 inner diameter loop. 1.3-1.7mm thick. Fits 48x9mm image. Back is textured.)

I cut out a piece of the label from my favorite drink, Arizona Diet Green Tea, and glued it to the frame with Mod Podge, smoothed to remove air bubbles underneath. Then I took some 26 gauge brass wire, bent it around the picture, hammered it lightly and set on top of the picture. The reason for the wire is that I plan to use cloisonne beads in the necklace, so now the picture has a cloisonne-like look, too.

Coated it with a thin layer of MagicGlos, took it outside. Learned how quickly Magic Glos sets in sunlight, had to sand with a fine grit sandpaper under water to remove the lump I created, put another coat of MagicGlos on. Needs work, but it's a start. (click to enlarge for detail)

Thanks to Carmi's Art/Life World blog for her post about using MagicGlos - gave me the nudge I needed.

One of the Twitter-folk I follow, mySA_beading, mentioned a contest - Step by Step Beads Colorworks Challenge.

Enter the first Colorworks Challenge!

Tertiary Colors

The orange-purple-green tertiary triad presents a challenge of bold and striking contrasts. Create a piece of bead jewelry (or a bead in any medium: polymer, beads, glass, etc.) using the triad from the color wheel. Black, white, or clear are welcome, but the predominant colors must be the orange-purple-green triad (any shades of those colors).

As it happens, I'd begun work some time ago on a strung piece using those colors and copper. I won't show the whole piece, just in case I decide to enter, but here's a bit of it:

The workspace is a wreck, so I'm going to listen to City Arts and Lectures with Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen as I tidy up.

Thinking About Weekend Crafting

My order with Annie Howes came in the other day - two part "doming system" resin kit, a bottle of Glamour Glaze, ten small clear glass domes and some really adorable Chiyogami papers.

I'm not 100% sure how to use the glaze - no instructions came with or on the bottle (not that I'm critizing, nothing like that was promised at point of sale, and I'm a real believer in caveat emptor) - so I'm going to experiment with it as if it were Diamond Glaze (which has online FAQs) and see if that works. I was thinking that I'd use it to seal and protect small hand drawn decorations or small printed designs in collage type pieces (yes, I am finally going to use those Rings & Things brass frame blanks).

I'd hoped to use the glass domes on the bracelet blank, but they might not work. I'm beginning to get a tad depressed everytime I see the poor unembellished gunmetal blank lying there waiting for me to get inspired.

Meanwhile, tonight, I'll do some more organizing - this time I'm down to the bead level, not like last weekend where I was moving boxes and setting up the worktable. Should be a lot less exhausting.

And...will this be the weekend I finally give polyclay a try? I'll let you know!

I'm Exhausted - But My Workroom Is Set Up!

Major spring cleaning happened to my office/workroom. Filled up the paper recycle bin with boxes. Went to Target and got a 6'x3' folding banquet' table, put it up and started moving stuff over to it. Now I'm going to little by little organize and re-arrange things, but I am so happy with the new set up! Exhausted, but happy.

So, as far as getting other things done today - that was it. Well, except for one custom order you can see lying there in my "DIY Beading Lap Desk" in the picture above. I'm so very glad I took tomorrow off, I'll need it to recover!

Saw another gluable challenge post today - Lisa at A Bead A Day shares a lovely creation using Swarovski pearls and a gluable bracelet blank with pre-drilled holes for embellishment. I didn't see that on the listing - nor the bubbly texture that appears in the pictures, so I'm wondering if it is a new product that's not listed yet.

I really have to get going on mine and get them posted!

I Bought Stuff Today

Before I start into my ramble, go take a look at the lovely pieces Lisa at A Bead A Day did with the frames from the Rings & Things Gluable Challenge.

Speaking of the challenge, today I went out and got polyclay and some tools for same and a 'how to' book, some ribbons, a bunch of beads I shouldn't have but couldn't resist (this is why I have to stay away from bead stores for as long as I can hold out), some cool metal letter "charms" - made for scrapbooking, so there are no holes or loops on them and they're perfect for gluing.

I may actually have more Gluable Challenge work to post soon. The ribbon is to finish my last choker form - it's almost done, just a couple finishing touches and I'll post a picture - maybe tomorrow.

The polyclay book I bought is:



Currently out of stock at Amazon, but they note that you can order and they'll notify you when available and not charge you until it ships. If you want to get this book and buy it through that link, Dawno gets a few pennies from Amazon.

I really like Dotty's book. Clear, easy to understand examples and step by step how-to's, lovely photography and fun projects. She shares some clever ideas for creating interesting effects with simple techniques and easy to find materials (like dyed eggshell mosaic - with Easter coming up, there should be plenty of dyed eggshell around to save up!)

I know this is going to be frustrating, making beads and focals with polyclay. I have so many ideas I want to try and the proper execution of those ideas won't happen right away because I have to learn something new. I will have to keep telling myself to be patient - which isn't my best attribute.

Found Something Cool on Etsy for Gluable Challenge Bracelet Blanks

Ooo-OOOoo-OOOOOOOooh!! (jumping up and down in my chair, scaring cats)

I think I found exactly what I need for my bracelet forms - Etsy seller AnnieHowes 10 Clear Glass Mini Gems. Don't you dare go buy them before I can. There's a whole bunch of other stuff on her Etsy site I'm also thinking of getting. This weekend may be a good one for a couple Etsy sellers on my 'wish list' :-)

I need to do some Etsy and Artfire photography and new listings too. I'm going to use some really cool scrapbooking stuff I found a while ago when getting ready for my display, I'll let you know when the listings go up and you can tell me if you think the pictures look ok.

One other thing - if you wonder what I'm interested in other than beading, I have another blog where I occasionally post non-beading stuff. Feel free to give me a visit over there, too!

Need Inspiration? Just Follow the Links!

Have you seen Just A Tish's gluable bracelet form ideas yet? Check out her Gluable Challenge 4&5 (collage, fabric!), Gluable Challenge 2 & 3 (a Yummy Candy Inspiration) and for a giggle (Oops!) - Gluable Challenge - FAIL! I love the picture of the squished clay...I get this flashback to SNL's claymation dude, remember Mr. Bill? "oh nooooooooooooo!"

Or how about Lampwork Diva's ideas? Copper Kisses for $4.00. and also Glue is not my BFF

Another fun one was A Bead A Day's Fun With Bracelet Blanks - has a very chainmaille look to it.


I'm still trying to figure out what to do to finish the one I showed yesterday - and I have two more bracelet blanks to do - one is gunmetal, and then work on the two frames, which I think I'm going to do some mixed media collages (Tish beat me to it, but GMTA!) with to use as pendants, so I need to buy resin.

Just Checkin' In

Hi - sorry I've been quiet for yet another week. I am still a bit blog-challenged and have not been in a very creative place lately. I appreciate all the great new connections I've made recently through your blogs and Twitter, and really want to keep the conversation going, so I'll try a bit harder!

I've started messing (and that word is quite appropriately descriptive) around with the gluable bracelet forms - here's one work in progress so far. White metal bracelet form with gluable discs and hammered links to which I have, so far, added 5, 14mm long by 10mm wide hemimorphite beads. there are 7 links in the bracelet, but the final link on one end is the clasp link and the other end is the loop link through which the clasp locks so I couldn't add the beads to them.

and here's how I did it

Supplies

• glueable bracelet form (Stock#: 40-337-1. 7.2" disk-and-loop bracelet forms for gluing. Hammered oval loops. Length may vary +/- ¼".)
  
• soft silver tone metal wire (used what I had for experimenting, an inexpensive 20 gauge from Michael's, no metal info on the spool, which I bought to practice wrapping and making loops),
  
• flush cutter,
  
• chain nose pliers,
  
• oval beads small enough to give some 'clearance' inside the link and the 14x10mm beads fit fine.

Snipped about 3" of wire and shaped a "t-pin" shape using the chain nose pliers (and flush cutter when I had excess to snip)

make a right angle bend about 3/4 inch long

bend back over itself about 1/4 inch from the center (long end of wire)

turn over, bend the other side the same way - there's a bit of overlap, trim with flush cutter

flatten the folds as much as possible

Now, for the assembly stuff

1. Open the connector bit on one of the gluable disk links
   
2. Remove the oval hammered link and thread wire through the vertical opening in the opened connector bit (I bet there's a technical term for that)
3. 
4. Put the oval link back in, making sure the bead and the wire are on "top" of the link, otherwise you have to thread the wire back through the link, and the less bending the better because (as I'm sure everyone knows but I tested the concept strenuously, and often, to the failure point...) soft wire gets brittle and breaks the more you work it
5. Close the connector bit (there I go with those highly technical terms again) over the wire pin and link - it's a tight fit and will make the bracelet a little less flexible, unfortunately.
6. Thread the wire through the open connector bit on the next disk.

This part is extra tricky. I had to do all the folding and bending and trimming of the wire that I was able to do easily when it was just holding and folding the wire, inside of the open connector and then close the connector over it and the oval link. After finishing, it sometimes stuck out too much so it showed on the right side of the piece, and I either had to try and squish it in, or open the whole thing up again and trim it then bend and squish a much smaller piece of wire, inside the tight confines of the connector.

Then I closed up the connector bit on the other side.


Finished work - so far.

Still need to decide what to do with the gluable disk part. I'm thinking about investing in some resin and molds and trying my hand at little round resin domes with something embedded in them - not sure what to embed (but edging closer to a vintage-y concept), nor what kind of resin to get. I have the MagicGlos stuff, but I need a cure light for that. Also thinking about polyclay, but I need a better working surface than I have right now, which would entail lots of re-arranging the office/beading room and purchases of things I need not be purchasing right now, like new shelving and a nice long worktable/bench (that I've been wanting for some time now).