In the Works

Usually, I post pictures of finished jewelry pieces.  Or something that looks really cool and holds a lot of promise.  Today, I am posting a picture of something that doesn't look really cool.  The picture is just as homely as the actual charms.

Still, I know in my heart of hearts that they will be adorable.  So this post is a record that I'm going to prove it!  Adorable!  I promise.

In the meantime, I'll tell you that the idea for these tinned charms came from the book Semiprecious Salvage.  They are constructed from copper pipe or copper wire and sheet metal.  After the shapes are prepared, they are coated with lead-free solder (the process called "tinning".) The solder serves to connect the pipe or wire to the sheet metal, but the rest of the tinning is largely decorative.

Inside the created bezels are images and/or text from a vintage gardening book.  So far, they have just been sealed with Mod Podge, but I have grander plans =)

The final step that I have accomplished as of this photograph is an attempt to apply a patina.  I used three colors of Gilder's Paste (Patina, Verdigris and Rust) and I will be the first to admit that I am clueless about using this highly touted, funky-smelling wax product.

Stay tuned for the next installment of... "Tinned Charms."  (The sequel is bound to be better!)

Chocobaubles

There was a very eye-catching red and black necklace on a mannequin at Kohl's during the winter. It had a large silk flower on ribbon where this design has a bow, but it was very fun to try to replicate the look. I'm not sure if I should share this detail, but if you are concerned for our environment and appreciate re-used materials, you'll be glad to know that the ribbon was a part of packaging for Valentine chocolates!