Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Reconnecting.....

One of my goals this year has been to get into my acquired supplies and begin to use the things I have or find them new homes. Most of my acquired beads and findings have been obtained second hand at estate sales and auctions, gifted to me by friends who know I make jewelry, or traded among other artists. I decided that this week would be a good time to dip into these supplies and begin to work on a new line of jewelry.


Part of my stash I've been working on sorting, separating, and disassembling in preparation for their new life.

 I've also been taking some of these beads and adjusting them to suit the designs and make them stand out a bit and give them their own unique voice. These large stones have been collaged and sealed with pages from old books.


Some of the supplies needed a new life as they particularly suit my style. I decided to finally take some of my remaining filigree beads and try my hand at a little more torch fire enameling. This is probably my 4th or 5th attempt on my own and I've finally come up with some usable beads.


I'm pleased with my progress on making the headpins. I still need to work out using an opaque white underneath to make more brilliant colors but I also really like the subtle transparency that I'm achieving consistently.



What have you been working on lately? 
Do you delve into your acquired materials to try new things?

5 comments:

stacilouise said...

My goal this year was to use what I had and not purchase anything new. I have not even begun, and I have purchased materials. I so often get a vision of what I want to do and order the supplies to do it. Though I love how it pushes me when faced with using only the items in front of me- from my stash. Always brings out a creative kinda fun all its own.

Artisan Beads Plus said...

I love the enameling. I just made a very cool pendant the other day. I gave it away for a birthday present before taking pics. My goal is to find the motivation after I get home from work and exercise. I just want to sit on my butt after that and do mindless stuff.... live go on my laptop and listen to TV. :o(
MaryAnn

Izzy said...

You have inspired! I definitely need to go through my stuff and use what I have. Too much stuff. =)

mairedodd said...

this really is an admirable and challenging goal... these pushes can be so great in taking your work places it hasn't been before... very much looking forward to seeing what you make!

Mystic Indigo said...

I have also been organizing what I have and trying to find new ways to incorporate them into my work. I have collected beads for a long time, but when I turned over to metal, I sort of left them by the wayside..so I am trying to work more color now into my jewelry. Great post!

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