Monday, November 28, 2011

Mended Hearts....

How do you mend a "paper clay" heart?? I use precious metal clay (PMC) slip or clay and a syringe. Some I have "painted" clay on other wise known as slip. Others I roll out the clay, use a texture mat, and wrap it around the heart.

I always leave slits and holes to mend so the clay can burn out in the kiln leaving a shell. FUN!!!!!
I use a syringe to stitch the holes and slits. I love making leaves to adorn my hearts!
Of course we have all had a broken heart in our past, but these hearts are fun to create and alot easier to mend!














Not just for Valentine`s Day! I love wearing hearts all year long. I`ll be making these for an upcoming art fair next year. Let me know what you think....








Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Portrait Pins....

I love collecting Victorian and vintage portrait pins. Some are alot pricier than others, but they all seem to tell a story....
Here is a photo of some pins sitting on my table waiting to become pieces of jewelery and photos of jewelry treasures that make these portraits become a special piece to someone`s vintage jewelry collection....













I especially love the wedding photos and children`s photos. I wonder how these people lived and what they did in their lives. These "adopted" family members seem to come to life when you create art or jewelry with them, don`t you think?







Thursday, October 13, 2011

Dracula`s Masquarade Ball.....

Before I surprised my Mom for her Birhday, I bought tickets to Dracula`s Masquarade Ball! How fun... Dracula and his three wives were awesome and so entertaining. Singing, dancing, and a murder mystery! The actors mingled with all the guests and really made you feel part of it all....








A great start to a wonderful Halloween season! Being able to share these memories with my mother and sisters.....Priceless!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Think Pink!!

This is breast cancer awareness month. I have some best friends that have survived it and the month of October just keeps me aware of all the women who have fought and still continue to fight breast cancer.


While I was at Bed Bath and Beyond, I was surrounded by PINK! I can`t think of a better color! What a wonderful idea to purchase something in my favorite color and at the same time contribute to the cure...










I am linking to Beverly`s Pink Saturday... See the pinks and join me in shopping for the cure of breast cancer this month...

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Happy Birthday Mom!

Every one who knows my Mom knows she conquered terminal lung cancer.... I surprised her for her 75th birthday with my two sisters flying down and a party! I wanted to celebrate her life and have some close friends and family here....

I wanted to share just a few pictures of the celebration and the fun we had ...






My baby sister, Karen, flew from Texas and my sister, Robin, flew in from Philadelphia. I have some beautiful sisters... I miss them already.




Kathy and Chantal are two of Mom`s friends who came to celebrate. I haven`t seen these two lovelies in quite some time....




Friends, family, food, and fun! That`s what birthdays are all about. My Mom is such a blessings to me. I want to celebrate many more with her!





Happy, Happy Birthday Mom!!














Friday, September 30, 2011

Pink....And PMC!!

I love getting roses...doesn`t every woman? These are some dried roses from years ago and then from last month. Some are "I`m sorry" roses, "happy birthday" roses, and my favorite, "just because" roses. I always hate to dry them, but the years of enjoying them is so worth it.


I`ve been taking several classes using PMC (precious metal clay). I am now certified (level one). I`ll be taking Level two in October! These are just a few projects I finished to qualify. I`m going to try to use other colors in my work...but I love PINK!!
This is a fold over bail, setting a stone and CZ, adding a sash. I`m still working on a chain...



You can`t really tell this flower pendant has tiny PINK CZ`S in the center of each flower. I did this at home using a torch. The second pendant was another project from Level Two. This is a split bail. You really can`t tell the pendant is also called a lentil bead. Each side is domed. I love this technique....



I am linking to Beverly`s PINK Saturday.... So many lovely ideas especially if you enjoy using PINK in your creative work.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Flea Market Finds.....


I can never pass up a vintage hat with tiny velvet flowers! I love the neutrals because you can create so much more. It was a steal for nine dollars!


Oh my goodness... When I saw this sweet "dance" purse I knew I had to have it! They are always so pricey. This one was no exception but the owner worked with me so I felt like I got a fair price... The enameling is in beautiful condition and to think some young lady actually took this to a dance to check her makeup and add a little rouge! Will it transform into a necklace? I might have to admire it for a while....




I found some great deals Friday. I have a passion for little purses! These are some of the treasures I found. I`ll be saving them for a while until I`m inspired to make them into a creation of some kind. I love to go treasure hunting even though I`m not quite sure what I`ll do with it all! I love the thrill of the hunt....