Ornaments and a Product Review

by Staci Louise Smith

Every year I make ornaments from polymer clay.  This year I was sorely behind.  I just couldn't figure out what I wanted to do.  Last year I made my usual styles into ornaments, and did a run of Blue Moons to commemorate the blue moon that occurred in December.

This year, nothing was coming to me.  I thought, how can I commemorate this year?  Its been quite a year, with the election and all the great singer songwriter poets we have lost.

And then it hit me.

I wanted to make some ornaments to embrace peace, love, and acceptance.  

First I decided to honor Leonard Cohen, and make something inspired by his song Anthem.  I love the line, "there is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in".  The other part of that inspiration was Karen's post that included a picture of this sculpture by Paige Bradley, which I LOVE.

So I decided to make a heart, with gold shimmer in the cracks, and wire wings.

I added the lyrics and dated them as well

Then I made some star ornaments, to honor David Bowie, aka Ziggy Stardust, aka Starman

On the back I wrote "turn and face the strange" because I think it really fits for every single day of our lives. They are also dated.

 I also wanted to make something to do with Peace.  This election has caused so much chaos.  So I made a new design, a peace sign, with wooden textured parts.  It was really fun to make.  On the back, trying to stick with lyrics, I wrote, "Imagine all the people living life in peace".

So, my ornaments are finally done and listed in my destash group. (How my destash group workds: just click that link, ask to join if you are not a member, and then claim items in comments.  I invoice you for them and ship)  

Better late then never, right?  (on top of the normal holiday rush and business, I have had sick kids.  I am so behind).

Anyhow...................since I made a new ornament, I had to make a mold for it!  Thus, the review portion of this blog....

I have been wanting to try that molding plastic, the one that you put in warm water and mold it.  I thought it may capture detail better, or yet, last longer then my typical two part silicone molds.

I purchased this brand, InstaMorph, from Amazon.

I followed the instructions carefully. 

I used water that was 150 degrees as directed and poured in some of the little white plastic balls.  They are supposed to congeal into one piece.

But they never lost their ball shape textures.  So I started again, because the cool thing is, you can re use this product over and over again

 I heated the water again, this time making it between 160-170 degrees

These looked a bit more transparent this time and congealed.

 So I smooshed them together and tried to make it as smooth as possible, but it was hard to get the ball texture out of them

I went ahead and covered my peace sign anyway, hoping that it would smooth out by applying pressure

 While that was setting, I tried again and went a tad hotter.  It did get much more moldable- however, the work time is quick, by the time it cools enough to handle it, and you begin to work it smooth, it begins to harden.

When the plastic was cool, I tried to remove my mold.  it stuck to the polymer a bit, and it did NOT make a smooth mold at all.  As you can see- it never lost that ball like texture- and the sample I did in polymer on the lower right side is terrible

 So, even though I think this is a cool product, and it is amazingly strong, not a fan of it for molds.  I will find a use for it, but it was way more trouble then it was worth.  I ended using my good old trust two part silicone molds.

I actually have an article in the current issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry on making molds with two part silicone.  

(I am also honored to be the Designer Collection in the current issue).  So grab it if you want to have a copy of my mold article- or take a peek at the issue because I was so happy with the pieces they picked to be showcased in the
Designer Collection (12 pages of my jewelry!  squeeee!).

You can pick up the current issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry here, or at some local art and craft stores as well as Barnes and Noble.

I know I haven't been blogging much lately, so I hope you don't mind that I crammed like 3 blogs into one!!!!

Christmas is in 3 days, and I know everyone is just mad busy!  I truly hope you enjoy your holiday, no matter what you celebrate, may it be filled with love, and family and friends, peace and wellness.  

David Bowie Blog Hop

by Staci Louise Smith

"The stars look very different today" - Space Oddity

I think this lyric really sums up how it feels with no David Bowie in our world anymore.

So we are excited to honor him, to keep his stardom shining through our art.  

If you have made a piece to honor David Bowie and blogged about it, please add the blog link to the inlinkz below.

An InLinkz Link-up

David Bowie Blog Hop

by Staci Louise Smith

The David Bowie blog hop is tomorrow!  Come here in the morning, and you can add you link to your blog post, and hop along to see everyone's pieces and read about their inspiration.

I will be honest, my piece is still only sketches, but it will be done for tomorrow!  

Here are links to other posts on the blog hop for more information and details.

(please note the date has changed for the hop from the original date.  it is tomorrow, 4/14/16)

http://www.lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2016/02/stardust-david-bowie-blog-hop.html

http://lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2016/02/stardust-david-bowie-tribute-blog-hop.html

As for me, I think I have decided to use pictures of David as inspiration, since his photo shoots and fashion were every bit as much a part of his art as his music.  

Having a love of wild fashion and a deep respect for anyone willing to break the molds of society, I am deeply moved by all the wonderful stages of his life long transformation and growth.

Anyhow, we do hope you will join us!  Make your piece, write a blog about it and the inspiration and link up here tomorrow morning.

We do ask that if you add your blog, that you check back through the day and take time to read everyone else's blog as well (and leave a comment, cause everyone likes to see who is reading their blog!).  We really hope to create a sense of community between artists as we honor this rock / creative legend.

'Till tomorrow!

Bog Hop Postponed

by Staci Louise Smith

Due to some personal issues and busy schedules of our contributors, we are going to push the blog hop back.  We are pushing it back a month and a few days so it doesn't fall on a weekend.

The new date is
April 14th.

If you hadn't heard of the hop yet, here is the link to all the information.

Create a Bowie inspired piece.  Could be from a song, a picture of him, or just his style alone (which changed drastically and fantastically through the ages)!

http://www.lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2016/02/stardust-david-bowie-tribute-blog-hop.html

I hope this doesn't cause anyone to lose momentum.  If you finished your piece, you can go ahead and blog and post it on your personal blog if you can't wait, and post that link later at the hop.  You can also just save your post for that day.  I do hope it gives more people time to play along and be creative.  

We all here at Love my Art Jewelry really want to play along, so, in order to do that this postponement has to happen.

Thank you for your understanding.  

Back to the Metal...at least for now!

by Staci Louise Smith

I have been working with my polymer and wire so much, that I haven't made time to get into the metal studio (that is, the other side of the studio for me).  

Man, do I ever miss it!  I have accumulated quite a few cabs this year.  I have bought lots of silver since the price is down, and I am determined to make some really fun rings and necklaces in silver!

I know I still won't have a lot of time to work on metal with Spring

Bead Fest around the corner (I need to prepare my classes!) but I am hopping to have some playtime to get back in the game.

I thought this would be a good time to remind you all that we have quite a few tutorials and such on wire work, cold connections and soldering.  We also have some on cleaning your metal, patina......you name it, we may have a little something on it.  

You can check our tutorials tab to browse!

Here are a few that I think are very informative when starting out, or in my case, starting again after a LONG hiatus! 

Here is one on how to set a tube rivet from Patti V!

http://lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-i-set-tube-rivet.html

Balled Head pins is always a good one to know!!

And I think you learn a lot about heat and your torch when you make them

http://lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2013/01/art-jewelry-challenge-balled-headpins.html

Here are some liver of sulfur tips as well!!!

http://lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2013/01/art-jewelry-challenge-balled-headpins.html

So I hope that you can find some useful information here to help you in your studio endeavors.  I will keep you all posted as to my metal playtime progress.

DON'T FORGET THAT WE HAVE THE DAVID BOWIE BLOG HOP HERE ON March 10th!!!

Have fun and create something inspired by Bowie, a song of his, or just something you think he'd wear or be happy to see on someone.  Be bold, be fun.....reach for the stars!

Hope to see you here!!

Stardust: A David Bowie Tribute Blog Hop

by Staci Louise Smith

In case you missed it, we are going to do a blog hop here, on March 10th.  

Details can be found here

http://www.lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2016/02/stardust-david-bowie-blog-hop.html

Has anyone started working on their pieces yet?  I already know at least one person who is DONE!  

Well, I haven't started yet, but I have ideas rolling around my brain.

I thought maybe for some inspiration I'd share some things I found!

First of all, when I made this bead, the photo of David popped right in my head!

You don't have to make a piece based on a song, or lyrics, it could just be an ode to him, or inspired by one of his many awesome photos!

I also found these cool Crystal Ball rings that made me think of Labyrinth.  

They are made by Project Om and can be found on etsy here

I found some cool copper lightning bolt charms that reminded me of this photo of Bowie

You can find them in Supply Your Soul here

Below is another photo I just adore of Bowie.  I didn't have to think hard of what could match it, I KNEW I had seen something in Karen's photos that would be perfect, and I found it!

Necklace by our own Karen McGovern Beadkeepers Art and Jewelry Design 

http://www.beadkeepers.com/

and last but not least, I paired this bright photo with one of Melanie Muirs wonderful polymer bracelets

You can find more of Melanie's work here

I hope the post has helped to get the gears turning about how you can make a tribute piece to David Bowie for the blog hop.

It's going to be REALLY fun!

Stardust: A David Bowie Blog Hop

by Staci Louise Smith

Stars burn, and eventually die, but we can see their light for hundreds of years after they have gone.  They shine on.

This is the legacy David Bowie has left us as well.

No matter what your taste in music, as an artist, you have to admire David Bowie as one of the all time great artists, in many mediums.  He was theatrical, musical and actor as well.  He was a rebel, a fashion icon, and she shone like the star he was, from early on.

We here at LMAJ have decided to do a blog hop to honor his memory, to honor his boldness, and to honor his art.

It is pretty open to interpretation.  You can make a piece based on one of his songs- interpreting it to jewelry.  You can use just one line of a song if you wish.  

Here is a link to some of his top songs
http://ultimateclassicrock.com/top-david-bowie-songs/

You can make a piece based on a picture of him, something, anything that inspires you.

Whatever you decide, may it be wild, and full of heart, and passion and boldness, just like he was.  He was our rebel, our star man, and he will shine for years and years.

To participate, please create a piece of jewelry, and blog about your inspiration, your piece, and /or any techniques you want to share.

In your blog, make sure to link to ours so anyone reading your blog can hop along as well.

  On March 10th we will have the blog hop.  You will be able to link your blog here on LMAJ that day.  We encourage that if you participate, to please hop along.  Leave comments on the other blogs, meet new designers and network.  Blog hops are not only fun for the creative challenge, but it is a great chance to expand your creative network.  I have met many creative friends through blog hops and challenges.

So we hope you will join us and honor this great artist memory through creating.  I think he would have liked that very much.