Here's my messy workspace:
One of my favorites was this hand mirror Jillisa did using cut-outs from magazines to create a collage:
I covered a tin using wrapping paper:
I love all of the possibilities decoupage gives... with just some cool paper and Mod Podge you can give a whole new look to something that you may otherwise just throw away. It's a great way to recycle old boxes and other containers to give gifts in!
Here is one of my favorite pieces of Phil's:
Looks easy enough, right? Okay, maybe not.
First, I had to pound the clay to get the air bubbles out.
Next came forming a cone-shape with the clay... took me a while to remember my form.
Receiving some wisdom and guidance from the master:
Almost finished with my.... plate? tray? Not quite sure what it was.
Unfortunately, it did not survive, because it was too thin on the bottom :(
Durelle had a little more luck with his... cup?
Luckily, I did have one piece turn out okay... a little candle holder. I tried to make a vase, but that didn't turn out so well. I'm excited to see the finished product. I have to wait for it to dry out, then add a glaze, then fire it in the kiln. Actually, I'm not exactly sure of all the steps, but I guess I will find out when the time is right. Hopefully I'll get a chance to do it again some time. It was a lot of fun to create something out of a lump of nothing, watching it take form, even if you aren't even sure what you're making when you start.
I could go on and on, but I really just wanted to talk about my collaboration with him to create some rings using his artwork. He created some drawings that I could cut into small portions to incorporate into my rings. I'm still working on the prototype, so I'm not exactly sure how the finished product will turn out, but I'm excited to find out. I've made the ring and poured the first part of the resin. I just have to wait for that to finish hardening, and then I'll add his drawing and top that with more resin. I've coated the drawing with mod podge, so hopefully that will be enough to keep it looking nice in the resin. I haven't done a whole lot with making rings before, so I'm looking forward to expanding into this area of jewelry-making.
If you checked out October's issue of Lapidary Journal's Jewelry Artist magazine, you will have seen my step-by-step tutorial on how to make my linked bangle bracelet. That was a fun and challenging project for me, and it was exciting to see my work in print!
After a special request from my sister, I've created a personalized version of this bracelet. She was searching for a more modern version of a mother's bracelet, so I stamped the bangles with the name and birth date of each of her children. She prefers a high-shine finish, which was great for this, since it made the lettering really stand out. I plan to offer these soon in my shop... they'd make a great ID bracelet or a gift for a loved one with a personalized message.
