Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Out with the old and in with the new ...

With the new year fast approaching, I need to finish a couple projects before I can move on to new ones.  The reversable Fall/Halloween table runner needs embellishment and the children's kitchen aprons need finishing, as well.

Reverse Collage Painting
In a magazine called Cloth, Paper, Scissors, I found a painting technique called "reverse collage painting".  You apply decorative paper to canvas, wood or a picture frame, then cover the paper with paint.  You then create your image by removing the paint using your finger or a cotton swab.  The surface is treated with acrylic medium before paint is applied for easy removal.  I'm not a painter but I'm looking forward to trying my hand at this. 

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Stone, Glass, Clay, Flowers, Watch Parts and Gears


Bev's necklace & earring set


My wonderful sister, Jody, commissioned me to make two necklace and earring sets using Vintaj brand components and findings.  I love the brass metal and the style of these necklaces; an eclectic mix of stone, glass, clay, flowers, watch parts and gears. 


Nancy's necklace & earring set











I was walking through Hobby Lobby and found free project sheets using Vintaj products and fell in love.  I grabbed each sheet and later found a project booklet put out by the company.  Jody wanted something special to give to her sisters-in-law, Bev and Nancy, as Christmas gifts.  I was touched she came to me. 

Each necklace contains an oblong bead I made using dried flowers from my/our niece, Sarah's, wedding bouquet and cream-colored clay with glitter.  There's a round bead with dried pink rose petals from my church and the same clay.  For me, the necklaces are a way to connect our families.