Jen July 14th, 2008
It’s been crazy busy what with the Tour de France on, training and marshalling races that it’s taken me close to 2 weeks to get back into the studio to take photos of these final projects from last month’s book work-through.
Here’s the bird bezel filled with resin and antiqued with a wash of mars black and quinacridone gold. I think this was my favourite piece of all.
This bezel ring has a small computer chip inside then filled with resin and again, antiqued with mars black and quinacridone gold. It’s a bit clunky but I still like it.
I am now working on my series of 5 elements - after the confusion, I’ve chosen Earth Wind Fire Water Wood and Metal - as my five. They will be worked on simultaneously as they will work as one unit when finished so it might be awhile before I get around to posting any photos.
On another, completely different note, word out to my son, Cliff for his tremendous performance over the weekend coming in 1st in his age group and 27th overall (beating all the Female Pros to boot!) in the inaugural 70.3 Amica Rhode Island Ironman. He’s now headed for the World Championships in Florida this November. You make me so very proud, me boy!
Jen July 7th, 2008
I screwed up. In my original Elemental series "wind" was actually Void (also characterized by sky/heaven). I don’t know where my head was at when I changed it in the post! There is also another set of 5 that includes wood & metal along with fire, water and earth. I’d suggest you choose whichever set speaks to you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Elements
Jen June 30th, 2008
I can’t believe it’s the last day of June. Where did this month fly to?!? I’m not quite through with Stephanie’s book and plan to finish but here are the latest pieces from my challenge.
Ever since seeing Jane Wynn’s awesome work, I’ve wanted to learn how to create a bezel. Here’s my first, and not so shabby, attempt. I used a piece of brass for the base and copper pipe for the actual bezel, filled with an animal molar and resin. I aged the metal with the Uzzhhh (Michael’s name for the combination of Quinacridone Gold/Black). My daughter the metalsmith said it was good. Woot!
Again, pretty proud of this one. All the chain is handmade as are most of the elements. I learned SO much from this one. I can’t tell you how stoked I am at all the techniques I’ve picked up from doing each project in this book.
This is a work in progress, as I need to fill the bezel with resin. As I was painting the plaster bird piece, it cracked. Not enough to actually break apart but it got me thinking. So I pulled it apart, painting the raw edges then glued it into the bezel. I love the crack! I have a couple more pieces still drying - a resin ring and a plaster bezel - that I’ll post when done.
It’s been a long and wonderful journey and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed visiting everyone’s progress as they’ve worked through their books. Kudos to y’all for taking the challenge. As tomorrow is Canada Day here in, well, Canada, I will post July’s challenge on Wednesday. I’m also thinking of doing some sort of give away for all these pieces I’ve made so stay tuned for that.
Jen June 24th, 2008
As promised here’s the leather cuff with the plaster cast included. The imprint was from a goofy little doll I have kicking around though I did end up chopping off his forehead so he’d fit more easily on the band. I also used brass etchings for the ends and practised my hook closure rather than add ribbon. Again, apologies for the photo quality. This little stuff is making my camera ..erm.. barf.
Another project that didn’t get photographed right away. This one was for earrings - which I didn’t make - and a ring using wire to create the nest and beads for eggs. I really like this idea and have seen other jewelry artists use it. It reminded me a lot of knitting with wire.
Continuing on with the cuff theme, here’s one made using etched brass as the main element. As I don’t have easy access to a copier/laser printer, I simply stamped the brass and then etched. I added some eraser dots (use a clean, new pencil eraser end as a stamp) on the side and wrapped the duct tape to create a border. I’m pretty pleased with this one. And it’s actually quite comfortable to wear too!
My silversmith daughter thought this ring was pretty funny. She was taught by Master Goldsmith Orland Larson so the very idea of using solder as the basis of a ring is anathema to her. I say, "Expand your horizons, Girl!" 
I would use a different stone next time, as even though it was quite pretty as a stand alone, it really doesn’t show up once surrounded by the solder and wire casing. Still. I’m ever so impressed with myself.
And the final photo for this update … and maybe my favourite to date … is my take on the spoon cuff. I didn’t have a sterling spoon, so decided to substitute a fork. I cut off the handle, flattened the tines, curling the outside ones and then stamped my work "Consistent" along the remaining handle. I used the word "Intent" for the metal charm as an homage to my New Year’s resolution to live in "tents" this year. Because I hacked off the handle, I needed a few more rings to be able to close the bracelet. With each subsequent project, my soldering skills are getting better and better. Oh! And lest you think I completely suck at the pounding metal thang, just so you know, I’m using a piece of some old tractor part as my anvil - it’s rusted and pitted so all my rings’n'things get that aged look right away. I WILL be buying myself a proper anvil - or smooth steel substitute - but until then? Rustic jewelry BayBee!
