More Stick Pins and Hat Pins

Last week I posted a tutorial on making stick pins.  You can view the tutorial here.

This week I have made a few more stickpins to post in my Etsy shop.  And I thought I would share them here. The stick pins pictured at left are a combination of two sets I combined together - my "Victorian Red" and "Vintage Rose" sets.  I beaded these sets to compliment each other in shades of deep red and soft rosy antique pink.

My Victorian Red set pictured below has spectacular deep red and antique rose pink beads which I embellished with antique silver bead caps.  I think the red and pink colors are so pretty together!

Victorian Red Stick Pins

The Vintage Rose pins below are beaded with the same antique rose pink beads as are in the Victorian Red set.

Vintage Rose Stick Pin Set

And I made some more of the heart pins like in my tutorial last week:

Valentine Red Heart Stick Pin

One thing I did differently than in my tutorial last week is I used a heavier 18 gauge wire.  In my tutorial I used 20 gauge but found it did not hold up as well as I liked when actually sticking it through material.  The 18 gauge wire has just enough sturdiness but is not too thick to thread the beads onto.

You can find these stick pins now in my Etsy shop.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by!

Irene

Custom Designed Eyeglass Chains

This week I made two custom design eyeglass necklaces for one of my customers.  She wanted something vintage/Victorian style for both pieces.  I love to custom design jewelry for others - the process is very interactive.  This customer lives far away and found my shop on Etsy, so I have never actually met her and all communication was through e-mail

As she told me the kinds of things she liked, I would e-mail pics of specific beads and components which she would then tell me which ones she really liked.  The whole process was quite interactive as the design evolved from sets of loose beads and components to the finished designs.

She specifically wanted to be able to wear both designs with other gold and silver jewelry pieces.  Other requests were for pink and white, cloisonne and heart components.  Here are some pics as these pieces were constructed.

My customer likes pink and white - so I started with this selection for her to view

She also likes cloisonne - so another set for her to choose from

Selection of silver beads to consider

"Rough draft" layout of potential design

Finished design with antiqued silver, cloisonne, pink glass beads and garnets

Initial finished design of second necklace with antiqued silver eyeglass loop

Finished design of second necklace - changed to antiqued brass larger loop to accommodate her extra wide sunglasses  (Gunmetal chain, cloisonne and Czech glass garnet beads, and Swarovski crystal pearls)

The Steampunk Revolution

There is no doubt about it - steampunk jewelry has leapt in popularity over the last few years.  Steampunk really began to pick up steam - pardon the pun - in the early 2000's although it had been around even before then.  Google Trends took note of the steampunk movement in 2006 and noted a steady gain in popularity since then.

What is steampunk?  Science fiction writer H.G. Wells -often referred to as "the father of science fiction" - coined the term in 1987 as a way of describing his works and those of his contempories such as Jules Verne.  Initially the phrase referred specifically to Victorian science fiction and fantasies, but over time an entire subculture emerged to include jewelry, art, fashion and even music.

Steampunk jewelry blends the femininity of the Victorian era with the mechanical technology that emerged during this time.  Most steampunk and neo-Victorian items use dark non-shiny metals such as brass and gunmetal giving these pieces an antique vintage style appeal.  Steampunk jewelry is often handmade giving it a feeling of uniqueness.  Many jewelry and craft artists sell their steampunk designs on sites such as Etsy and ArtFire.

Supplies used to create steampunk designs include items such as filigree stampings, watch faces and watch parts, vintage jewelry components, skeleton keys and vintage keys, and almost any gadget or mechanical part.   Each piece is usually unique combining and layering different components.

To see fantastic examples of steampunk jewelry, view this ArtFire Collection entitled Steampunk Fantasy!


Helpful links:
http://www.squidoo.com/steampunkart
http://www.suite101.com/content/what-is-steampunk---a-guide-to-the-definitions-a237194
http://www.ehow.com/about_5082813_steampunk-jewelry.html

How to Make a Collage Pendant

My latest obsession has become creating collage pendants. The possibilities are endless, but I particularly enjoy vintage and art nouveau themes.

Making a collage pendant is not difficult, but does require some time and thought. Here is the process I use:

Supplies: Image or photo, pendant frame, E-6000 glue, glaze such as Diamond Glaze. You will also need simple tools such as an Xacto knife - or a paper punch, toothpicks or wooden craft sticks, and waxed paper.

1. First select your pendant shape and style - circle, oval, square, rectangle. Decide on either a simple frame or an ornate one with fancy edging. Since I like vintage style jewelry, one of my favorite places to purchase frames is VintageJewelrySupplies.com. This site offers good products at reasonable prices and fast free shipping.

2. Next, select your image to fit the frame. You can use wrapping paper, magazine photos, and greeting cards. Or you can purchase collage picture images already sized and shaped for common pendant frames. I purchase many of my images on Etsy where there is a wealth of styles and themes from various sellers.

3. Prepare your image. If you are printing out a collage sheet or other image from your computer, first be sure to use the best quality settings for your printer. I find printing on photo paper works best. Next seal your image to prevent the ink from running and smearing during gluing and glazing later - I use Aleene's spray acrylic sealer which I purchase at Michael's craft store - you can choose either a matte or glossy finish (both work fine.)

4. Cut out your image. If you are "free styling" (not using a pre-sized and shaped" collage sheet) then make a template of your shape by tracing the shape on a piece of paper - preferably thick cardstock type. Then cut out the shape leaving a circle (or whatever shape you're using) opening in the paper. Then you can place the template over your desired image, trace with pencil and cut it out. I usually leave about 1/8 inch around the edge to trim later - this makes for easier handling. Use a craft knife or xacto knife to cut your image - be careful as they are quite sharp!

A quicker easier method for cutting your image is to purchase a paper punch at a craft store such as Michael's. These come in standard 1 and 2 inch circles, ovals, squares and many other shapes. I recommend this method if you are going to be making a number of pendants.

5. Glue your cut out image to the pendant frame. I use E-6000 glue (I purchase from Michael's) placing a small amount on the back of the image and pressing it onto the frame. Use a toothpick or small wooden pointed craft stick to clean off excess around the edges. But if you leave some E-6000 dries clear and excess can be cut off later with your craft knife. E-6000 becomes tacky in 2 minutes and begins to set in 10 minutes - but takes 24 to 72 hours to fully cure. After drying, you can trim the edges of your paper if needed with your Xacto knife - if you used a paper punch, this step is usually unnecessary.

6. Now it is time to apply glaze to seal and protect the image. Be sure to allow the glue from step 5 to dry sufficiently - I usually allow several hours (4 hours or longer.) Although not fully cured yet, this is enough time for proceeding.

I use Diamond Glaze which can be purchased at various sites on-line. One site I have used is CreateForLess.com but there are many others - even Ebay where this product can be found.

Applying the glaze is a bit tricky but not overwhelmingly so. Place your pendant on a flat surface where it will be able to sit without being disturbed for at least 24 hours. I use a flat chopping board with waxed paper placed on top for easy clean up.

First squeeze out a small dab of the glaze onto the waxed paper to expel any bubbles. Then without turning the bottle back upright, immediately squeeze the glaze onto your image - I start from the center and work my way outward in a circular motion. If air bubbles develop, pop them with a needle or even your fingernail.

Now let the glaze dry and cure. It will be sufficiently dry to carefully move after 24 hours, but takes 72 hours before fully curing. If not fully cured, you can leave smudges and indentations on your glaze with handling.

7. Now you are ready to place your pendant on a chain or cord and proudly wear!

Here are some collage pendant I recently made and have for sale on Etsy at DJAjewels.etsy.com:

Victorian Beauty Art Nouveau Pendant:  This pendant features an Alphonse Mucha image of a Victorian era woman encircled  within an antiqued silver collage pendant.  Hangs simply on an antiqued silver chain.

Vintage Roses Circle Collage Pendant :  Nostalgic image of vintage roses encircled within an antiqued silver collage pendant.  Suspended on delicate antiqued silver chain.

Antiqued Gold Bluebird Pendant :  Circle collage pendant featuring a delightful pair of bluebirds tending their nest.  Nest has four eggs including one surprise golden egg.  Collage image is set into  an antiqued brass frame and hangs simply from a 22K antiqued gold plated chain.

Art Nouveau Mucha Pendant :  Art Nouveau style pendant featuring an Alphonse Mucha image of  a lovely Victorian era woman.  Simple yet elegant antiqued brass frame  forms a golden halo around the beautiful young woman.  Hangs from an antiqued brass chain.

My Newest Beading Addiction: Czech Glass Beads

I have been busy this week beading several new pairs of vintage style earrings after finding some really interesting and pretty Czech glass beads.  These beads can be addictive to work with because of the incredible assortment of styles, colors and finishes available.  I order my beads from various vendors and I really never know for sure whether I'm going to like the beads until they arrive - but every single one of these beads turned out to be spectacular and I could not wait to start beading with them.

Temptation Glass Garnet Earrings:  These glass garnets are simply too tempting to resist!  I beaded these earrings with deep garnet Czech glass beads dangling from antiqued brass chain and earring wires.  Accented with antiqued gold Heishi beads and bead caps.  Faceted rondelle Czech beads are 14mm size.  Drop is 2 inches.

Picasso Purple Amethyst Earrings:  These vintage style earrings are prettily beaded in purple and sterling silver,  Faceted Czech glass rondelle beads are an eclectic combination of pinks, purples and white.  They have a picasso finish giving them a beautiful marbled stone appearance.  The faceted edges allow the light to dance and reflect off of them - they measure 9x6mm.  Round amethyst gemstone beads sit atop the Czech glass rondelles and small amethyst Swarovski crystals dangle beneath them.  Accented with antiqued silver Heishi beads and bead caps.  Bright sterling silver kidney shaped earring wires.  Drop is 2 inches.

Celestial Blue Vintage Style Earrings:  I beaded these Celestial Blue dangle earrings using pretty blue Czech gire polished rondelle beads.  These faceted opaque beads are a soft tranquil light blue - but their faceted edges contrast beautifully with the soft color as they allow the light to reflect and dance off of them.  Small round cloud white Cats Eye beads add to the celestial appearance.  To give these earrings a Victorian and vintage style appeal, I used oxidized antiqued sterling silver earring wires along with antiqued silver plated Heishi beads and bead caps.  Gunmetal eye pins and jump rings complete the vintage style charm.  Drop is 2 inches.  Blue rondelle glass beads measure 9x6mm.  Cats eye beads are 4mm.

Glass garnet rondelle, Picasso purple, and celestial blue czech beads are all from ShipwreckBeads.

To see more of my vintage style jewelry, be sure to visit me at DJAjewels.etsy.com!

For explanation and descriptions about Czech glass and other types of beads, click here.

Vintage Style Rose Chintz Lampwork Earrings

I found these nostalgic looking floral lampwork beads on Etsy and knew I had to have them for some of my vintage style jewelry designs. They have such an old-fashioned and romantic charm! I really love shopping for handmade beads and jewelry supplies on Etsy because I find really unique and distinctive pieces made by some really talented artisans. These beads are some of my favorites.

Rose Chintz Lampwork Artisan Lampwork Beaded Earrings: $38.00

Soft romantic rose pattern round lampwork beads with wonderful mix of lavender, blue and green colors. Accented with pretty antiqued pewter bead caps and small genuine amethyst round bead dangles. Sterling silver earring wires. Drop is 2 inches.

Rose Chintz Lampwork Heart Earrings: $30.00

These earrings feature charming lampwork heart beads that dangle on antiqued sterling silver earring wires. Accented with Swarovski crystal pearls in "cream rose," Swarovski crystal amethyst beads and antiqued silver Heishi beads. Gunmetal head and eye ping findings are used to compliment the dark oxidized sterling silver earring wires. Drop is just more than 2 inches.

I found these beautiful rose chintz lampwork beads at CrazyLadyBeads on Etsy.

Lampwork Beads and Beaded Jewelry

Lampwork beads are one of my personal favorite beads to use because of their radiance and luster. They seem to have a depth not found in other types of glass beads. There are several popular types of lampwork:

Fiorato Beads: These are a variation of Murano and Venetian glass beads created using melted glass to “paint” flowers and decorations onto the surface.

Foil lined: These beads contain either white gold foil, 24K gold foil, or .925 sterling silver foil submerged beneath the glass brightening the color and producing a radiant glow.

Millefiori Beads: Variation of Murano and Venetian glass beads hand-created by working slices of millefiori glass canes into each bead. Millefiori means “thousand flowers” in Italian.

Sommerso beads: These beads are created using a technique in which the glass artisan submerges different colors beneath clear glass. Small copper flakes (called aventurina) are then worked into the clear glass giving the bead a look of depth and a rich luster.

Borosilicate (boro glass): Borosilicate glass is different from the "soft" glass that is normally used for beads and other items such as paperweights, ornaments, etc. It is far stronger than "soft" glass often used for other glass items. Expert torch work can meld different colors and hues to create incredible depth and vibrant beads.

I found these cherry red Czech lampwork beads at fusionbeads.com and used them to create the matching antiqued brass necklace and pair of earrings pictured.

Antiqued Brass Cherry Bomb Earrings $24.00
These antiqued brass earrings have gorgeous red cherry bomb lampwork glass beads that glow like bright little lanterns. Lampwork rondelle beads are accented with antiqued brass bead caps. They swing freely on a few links of antiqued brass chain. Antiqued brass earring wires. Drop is 1 3/4 inches.

Antiqued Brass Cherry Bomb Necklace $18.00
This antiqued brass necklace has the same gorgeous red cherry bomb lampwork glass bead as the earrings above. Lampwork rondelle bead is accented with antiqued brass bead caps. Suspended on antiqued brass chain. Measures 18 inches. Pendant adds another 1 1/2 inches. Lobster claw clasp closure.