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Tuesday, July 8, 2014

I BUTTONED UP THIS CHALLENGE

 I am participating in another group challenge and this year's theme was embellished found objects.  The parameters were a found object embellished in metallic colors other than gold with a finished size of 1 1/4 inches or less, plus a 1/4-inch loop for attachment. 




I had this great idea of combining crystal clay, some cute filigree hearts (above) that I found at CJS Sales, and beads until I remembered "oh yeah-no gold color allowed."  Hmmm...now what?

After leafing through Break the Rules Bead Embroidery by Diane Hyde for inspiration, I decided to follow her suggestion to look for items in the scrapbooking section of a craft store.  As I picked up my keys to walk out the door, my brain said "Buttons-you have lots of buttons left over from projects."


My 22 embellished found objects using buttons


So I got out my button box and started playing.  Stacking the buttons appealed to me so I used 20 gauge wire, silver size 8 seed beads, and buttons of various size to make 22 "charms."  There is more skill in putting together buttons than you might think!  I threaded the buttons on the wire with the seed beads at the bottom, in between the buttons, and at the top.  A loop wire loop finished the "charm."

I had such fun that I also made myself a pair of earrings.

My new earrings


 

Making the ear wires allowed me to use my new Wubbers pliers.  I know that wire people say you should just use your round-nose pliers and a Sharpie pen to make the ear wires, but the Medium Bail Making pliers and Large Bail Making pliers make the job so much easier and give you consistent results.

My found objects are now winging their way via USPS to the organizer.  Now to wait to see what everyone else in the challenge has done.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

NYC RUBBERAMA WORKSHOP JULY 12 AND 13, 2014

gold rush
An example of silicone and fabric work by Janet Bloor



Just a reminder that my friend Janet Bloor of Euroco Costumes will teach a 2-day workshop on silicon effects on fabric in New York City on July 12 and 13, 2014.  Janet has been exploring rubber and fabric for 30 years and her work can be seen on costumes for film, theater, and other entertainment venues.  If you are interested in this fabric treatment, this is your chance to learn how to do it.  The cost is $120/day (including materials).

For more information, visit Euroco Costumes Workshops.  If you can't make the New York City workshop, Janet is offering a longer workshop in Mexico at the end of October.