1st Attempt at Steampunk Jewelry

Well I can't believe it has been this long since I have written anything on my blog!!

I have recently become intrigued by the Steampunk style in jewelry. A couple of days ago I tried my hand at creating a piece in this Victorian/Industrial/Jules Verne theme.

This piece that I call Time - a Convertible Brooch/Necklace went together rather quickly. Sure wish the glue would have dried faster so I could have continued uninterrupted.

Starting with a antiqued goldtone brooch base, I added silver & gold filigree pieces, a watch face that actually was once a buttoncover, some vintage gold chain with a charm & few other things.

Actually the first layer of the piece was a small image of some clock fabric that I printed on muted green paper. Then I went from there.

Now I have to decide if I want to keep my first attempt since I do love the way it turned out, or do I list it on Etsy? Maybe I should try to make a similar one and list it.

Experimenting with recycling denim

I finally spent some time yesterday playing with some jeans denim and embellishments to create a unique bag. The original idea of this style came from Haute Handbags Vol. 2 - Denim Journal Duvets by Cher Lashley. I don't use journals but thought these duvets would make cute bags using part of the leg from a pair of jeans.

I pulled out all sorts of tubs & containers looking for coordinating embellishments for the Geisha print. First I painted some stitch witchery with thinned gold metallic paint, sandwiched some sage green crepe back satin between the stitch witchery and the graphic and ironed it all in place using a teflon sheet.

Then I added a a strip of oriental script, zigzag stitching, a fussie cut flower and some fun fringe. Tan printed brocade has been used as lining and the top band. I still need to finish the top and add a handle, maybe from denim.

I may change the top band as I am not really happy with the look, maybe I will shorten it and add some more trim of some kind. Guess I'll have to think on it a while.

Conquering Resin

Conquering Resin

I finally tried my hand at pouring resin to add a durable coating to my altered dominoes.

This altered domino necklace, Romeo & Juliet is one of my first attempts and it is now listed in my Etsy shop - http://www.gmPurseanalities.etsy.com.

It really wasn't difficult working with the resin at all. You just have to make sure you have everything ready before you start mixing the two components. There is only so much working time with the mixed resin.

I set up the dominoes to coat on some glazed tiles that fit inside a large cookie tin. The dominoes were elevated about 1" on the tiles with tiny bits of wood.

Once I started pouring the resin I used an old paintbrush to dab resin on the edges where it hadn't flowed. This wasn't hard, just a bit time consuming.

When the gas bubbles appeared on the surface I just gently exhaled on them and they magically vanished.

The hard part is waiting the 72 hours for the resin to cure. I did peak a number of times inside the tins to see how things were progessing.

I am pleased with the results, the surface is certainly more durable than any other product I have tried. All others seemed to scuff or scratch way to easily. Resin is the way to go.

Now I have loads more to coat!

Daughter's B-day & Recent Bag Creation

Well today our daughter is 25! Hard to believe it has been that long ago. She has matured into a fine lady and we're so proud of her accomplishments. Wish she wasn't nearly half way across the country so we could spend the day together. (She's the one in the colored pencil portrait).

I also finished the most beautiful bag and got it listed on eBay last evening. If it doesn't sell there it will go over to Etsy to sell. If you haven't been to Etsy, you must see all the amazing creations from loads of talented sellers.

This purse was so enjoyable to make. The fringes are handmade using vintage rayon binding and "hairy" fiber yarn. The flowers on the flap have been accented with AB crystals. I also made a removable pin using organza flower petals, green velvet leaves and a larger AB crytal in the center.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=310037550367&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=021

The purse is soft and oh so romantic!

Kathleen