A Little Metalsmithing...

Here in my creative corner I have been in the middle of a studio redo...again...cleaning and rearranging to make room for a slew of new tools I got for Christmas and some new additions I recently bought, plus moving some things from the hubs shop to my creative space for easier use.  I took a small break to enjoy some actual creativity.

I was thrilled to see that Jen Crossley (A Mark in Time) had two new mixed media jewelry videos on Craft Daily, Metal Sketch Pendant and Mixed Media Tin Pendant.  I spent a lovely morning watching both videos and was fired up to try my hand at the Metal Sketch Pendant.  I headed out to Freight Harbor for even more tools so I could do the project.

(Jen used a simple chain for her pendant but I can't resist a little bead bling!  Once you learn how to make the basic pendant the sky is the limit for how you finish it out.)

For the most part I had the basic supplies on hand but I had to improvise a little on the cold connections and the mesh she used as I did not have the right things.  I loved dipping my toe into some really simple metalsmithing.  

My creative goal for this new year is simply to be a student.  There is so much I want to learn, explore, and experiment with.  Thanks to Jen for starting my learning experience off with such a great project!

I hope you all have a great week!

Blessings,

Sandy

P.S.  I have been doing a little more posting on Facebook than I have here on the blog so feel free to catch up with me there.

INSPIRED BY RUTH RAE....

"My connection to the earth is reinforced through the rhythm of the waves."

~ Mike Dolan ~

"Serenity by the Sea" mixed media necklace:

I recently viewed a new video class, Mixed Media Etched Jewelry, by Ruth Rae through my Craft Daily subscription (it is also available for purchase through the Interweave Store).  I am enamored by Ruth's artwork and loved getting a chance to learn from her via video.  I used some of the tips and techniques in her class to create a new piece of jewelry.  While I did not follow her tutorial exactly as I did not have all the metal etching supplies on hand I did not let that stop me from diving in and doing what I could with what I did have.  That said I have metal supplies on their way and can't wait to try my hand at etching!

Some of you asked how I would use the hand made beads from my own free embellished fabric bead tutorial in a piece of jewelry and this was a perfect opportunity to incorporate a couple.  Here they are below: 

Ruth's class sample was demonstrated as a wrap bracelet that could be worn as a necklace.  My piece is just a necklace.  I was most proud of being able to make my own closure, never done that before!

I used her crochet, wiring, beading, resin, sewing, joining, and clasp forging techniques in this piece.  I chose to create my piece with a summer feel, that of a stroll along the shore incorporating glass beads, stone chips, cultured pearls, and tiny shells.  I titled this piece Serenity by the Sea based on the feelings of serenity, peace and calm that accompany a visit to the shore.  I applied those words to the back of each sewn section, tucked away like sweet summer memories.  

The piece can be worn either way.

Thanks Ruth for sharing the inspiration of your teaching.  Ruth also has some other fabulous new videos as well as a couple of new books with fellow artist Kristen Robinson out and I want to explore them all!

What is something new and artful you would like to explore?

blessings,

sandy