I can’t believe it’s the last day of June. Where did this month fly to?!? I’m not quite through with Stephanie’s book and plan to finish but here are the latest pieces from my challenge.
Bezel with Tooth
Ever since seeing Jane Wynn’s awesome work, I’ve wanted to learn how to create a bezel. Here’s my first, and not so shabby, attempt. I used a piece of brass for the base and copper pipe for the actual bezel, filled with an animal molar and resin. I aged the metal with the Uzzhhh (Michael’s name for the combination of Quinacridone Gold/Black). My daughter the metalsmith said it was good. Woot!
Chain Necklace
Again, pretty proud of this one. All the chain is handmade as are most of the elements. I learned SO much from this one. I can’t tell you how stoked I am at all the techniques I’ve picked up from doing each project in this book.
Bird Bezel detail
This is a work in progress, as I need to fill the bezel with resin. As I was painting the plaster bird piece, it cracked. Not enough to actually break apart but it got me thinking. So I pulled it apart, painting the raw edges then glued it into the bezel. I love the crack! I have a couple more pieces still drying – a resin ring and a plaster bezel – that I’ll post when done.
It’s been a long and wonderful journey and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed visiting everyone’s progress as they’ve worked through their books. Kudos to y’all for taking the challenge. As tomorrow is Canada Day here in, well, Canada, I will post July’s challenge on Wednesday. I’m also thinking of doing some sort of give away for all these pieces I’ve made so stay tuned for that.
Hi:
I'm a member of Lani Glanville's 14 Secrets for a Happy Artist's Life group – saw on her blog that she presented you with an Arte y Pico blog award.
Love, love, love your work – I, too, have taken a deMeng workshop and have mixed up more than a few batches of uszzzhh. I work more with paper and seeing the pieces you've created makes me want to do more in metal!
Enjoyed your site – come visit mine some time and take care!
patti
Really like the way you took the projects and made them yours, makes my fingers itch to do the same. It's an inspiration!
So awesome! all this great art AND training for your race! I have been focusing on the training.. maybe some art will get done too.
I have way more stuff to do in my book…
You should be very proud of these pieces Jen, they are stunning. I love the details that you put into your work, the paint effects and elements that you put together really make these pieces come alive.
Wonderful pieces – so glad you're enjoying learning so many new techniques. They all have such variety. I love the crack in the bird – it adds the perfect touch – don't you just love the accidents! Can't wait for the next challenge.
I love that necklace I wish I knew how to make jewelry. I would love to be able to make such unique pieces.
Great work! I decided to try my hand again at metal etching because of your challenges. Thanks for that. I am having fun with them.
Sensational stuff here – love the bezel. Are you sure thats not Michaels tooth??
The bezel is soooo awesome.
wow, wow, wow!!! i'm so impressed on so many levels, jen.
a – the decision to work through each project (didn't you do this with linda and opie's book too?)
b – the discipline and perseverance to actually DO it
c – and the inspiring and creative projects you've dreamed up. love this bezel!
i so wish i could be a fly on your wall and watch you work or better yet, be working right with you.
xox
I'm so inspired, I have Stephanie's book too but haven't tried anything yet, now I have to give it a go.
Your daughter was right…the bezel IS good. Nicely done. I'm so used to using shiny sterling that I have a hankering for a new line of jewellery that looks 'antique', have been scouring hardware stores for supplies and ideas. Your work inspires me, all your metal work.