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It's a new year so what better theme to start with than "NEW". This could be a new technique, new tool, new materials, etc. I believe we have some knock-out entries for this month and hope you think so too!!
I'm so excited about this new series of work. I took a workshop 2 summers ago on "Metal Painting" from a former professor. In this process you use directional sanding and patinas to develop your image. One of the materials we were able to work with that day was copper plated nickel. You could sand through the copper and expose the nickel in areas and use liver of sulphur to color the copper... I could not find this material anywhere. I was just gifted some at Christmas. Having fun in January! So here is my first couple of landscape paintings using this process.
I bought some copper PMC a few months back to experiment with. Hats off to you PMC artists! It was harder than it looks! I've only used it once before so it was challenging. This was the best flower of the bunch! I am also creating a new body of work with more gemstones so this was a perfect challenge! I'm in love with these colors together!
I'd been really attracted to this style of hoop, but hadn't made anything like it. the mechanism takes longer to make than I think it should, even after 3 pairs! part of what changes it is fusing the little curly loop closed and getting the angle just right with that little detail on the "hinge" side.
Trying out something new also means risking something. For example, that one is not satisfied with the resulting piece of jewelry. I wanted to bring stamped jewelry and simple settings together. But is that the right way? I'll probably try more ..
I got a Fretz mini forming stake set for Christmas. I have no idea what I'm doing. They turned out okay though - double up on the earring challenge.
I've always wanted to try making my own ear nuts but have never stopped to take the time to try this out. Now that I've done it though I think this will be a permanent addition to my earrings!
Our February challenge will be to make "Tiny Charms" 1/2" in size. If you'd like to play along with us post your tiny charm in the comments of this post by February 26th.
