Why wait?

Spring has been pretty symbolic in the Weasinart household this year: back to the blog, back on the fitness tracking and training, back on track in the household (Spring cleaning has begun!), and today back in the studio.

Sometimes life gets in the way

Everyone that I know is busy...work, school, family, hobbies, chores, the holidays. Life happens and sometimes it can throw you a curve ball.

In the three weeks (arghhh!) since I last posted; I turned 40, the show that I directed was produced, some major health issues have cropped up, Thanksgiving has come and gone, I have learned a new skill, and I have been making if not sharing.

  The last morning in my 30s, I taught myself to needlefelt. I love it and have lots of projects in my mind. Stay tuned after Christmas for some photos of an applique/embroidery/needlefelt project. Can't spoil a holiday surprise though...

Metalwork Monday: Handmade Embossed Buttons

Every crafter worth her salt has an impressive button stash. Sometimes though,  a project just calls for a certain kind of button. And sometimes, only a handmade button will do.

I took two aluminum discs and ran them through the embosser using an art deco die.

Although I liked the look of the buttons fresh from the embosser,

 I wanted to added another dimension.

I utilized a dark purple gilder's paste to bring out the detail.

 I applied the color with my finger and let it sit for a few days.

After the color was set, I buffed them and added them to a wonder hand-crocheted cowl. It was my first ever crochet project and it is special to me. The buttons make it even more important.

Metalwork Monday: Zarra Necklace

A new season brings new trends and new styles. Recently, one of my co-workers came in sporting a fabulous necklace with two types of chain and some metal discs. After staring at here several times through the day, I asked if I could design a piece based on it. She said that I could as long as I named it for her-hence the "Zarra"!

I started with two small copper discs, a larger disc, a copper washer of the same diameter and two different types of chain.

I ran all the pieces through the rolling mill and gave them a dunk in liver of sulfur. I domed the washer to make a locket style pendant. I punched teo holes in each of the smaller discs so I could add chain on both sides. 

I added the smaller chain on the same side as the smaller discs and assembled the pendant at the bottom. The texture of the backing piece shows through the washer. The texture is different on each piece and I love how it all came together. I am ready to rock all my fall fashions.

Metalwork Monday: Leather and Metal Wrap Bracelet

So, I may not be the trendiest gal on the block, but I do make an effort. This fall's trends include large statement jewelry but I am a tad petite for a big necklace. An interesting bracelet can dress up any kind of outfit and it is less intrusive than someone trying to read your chest.

I started with a leather band with snaps already in place and a copper ID bracelet plaque.

After stamping the phrase (I'll admit that the "e" is a little close to the edge, I added a few embellishments. I decided that it needed a little something more.

I added a layer of forest green alcohol ink. I am really happy with how it brought out the lettering.

To finish the piece off, I attached the plaque to the leather with brass eyelets and little copper accent stars. I am overall very pleased with the effect and I am excited to rock this trend throughout the fall and winter!

Metalwork Monday: Custom Color Bobby Pins

Okay, so today is a little bit of a cheat. I didn't actually MAKE something, I just embellished. But if you know me at all, you know how I like to match. This is one of the busiest weeks of the year for me, so simple yet helpful is the way to go!

Metalwork Monday: Cider Vinegar and Sea Salt Patina

At the very heart of my crafty universe is metalwork. I am always

trying to learn new techniques and love to experiment. 

Giving metal new colors and textures is one of my favorite things.

I brewed up a batch of patina solution with items from pantry and 

absolutely love they look that they produced.

Metalwork Monday: JOY Bunting Necklace

As a rule, I avoid bandwagons. I had skirted the bunting craze until I found these perfect silver triangles in my studio. They cried out to be a bunting necklace. 

In my zeal, however; I neglected to photograph the first steps. They are as follows:

• I used a nail to stamp the dots around the edges of each triangle.
• Using a lowercase Arial font punch, I stamped each section with a letter.
• I painted over each triangle entirely with orange nail polish.
• After the polish dried, I sanded of a majority of the paint with my Dremel. I was going for an aged look, so left more paint around the edges.

Metal Work Monday: Owls..so maybe I am trendy...

You can probably tell that I am not super trendy. Well, I didn't think that I was until the owl craze starting sweeping the nation. Freakin' hipsters.

I made this super cute owl bracelet, perfect for the fall. 

I ran a bronze ID tag and a silver disc through the Sizzix 

Big Kick to emboss the tree and owl.

I used my jeweler's saw to cut out the owl.

I used my Dremel and several files to smooth the edges.

I used some purple nail polish to give him some zest.

I sanded a bit off to really accentuate the details.

I used two brass eyelets to cold connect the two pieces.

It seemed perfect to make them his eyes.

I combined gunmetal and bronze chain for further interest.

Love at first sight!

Stitchy Saturday: Embroidered Pendant

Summer is giving us subtle cues. Days are getting shorter, veggies are piling up on every flat surface in our kitchen, nights are getting crisper, and I am prepping for the fall play. 

With cooler days ahead, I find myself thinking of new outfits for autumn, new accessories to make in the studio and new embroidery projects to unwind with a cup of tea before bed.

Inspiration struck in a fun way--I got a great shadow box pendant as a gift and I bought some beautiful patterns from So September (visit her blog...her work is AMAZING). Perfect. I decided to combine the two to create a fabulous necklace for fall.

I am in love with this necklace. For real.

I started with a 1 1/2 shadow box pendant. 

The well behind the glass is fairly deep, 

which proved to be a hug benefit.

Using the circle template made this SO much easier.

I simply traced the size that I needed on muslin.

I wanted the piece to look finished with a tiny

rustic touch. Hence...muslin.

I utilized a portion of Corrine's gorgeous pattern

and chose some colors that would transition nicely

into the autumn.

I cut around the circle with my pinking shears 

and cut a circle a teensy bit smaller than the shadow box 

from foam core.I stretched the embroidery around the 

foam core and tacked it with hot glue. 

I tacked the entire piece into the shadow box

with a drop of hot glue.

Ready to accessorize me all through the

autumn...so happy when my worlds collide!

Reboot

I am ecstatic. I have started again.

I have had a ton of stress lately. I know that everyone does, but it seemed like so many things were just piling up at once. I let it get me out of myself and out of my routine.

Things, mentally, came to a head yesterday afternoon. I recognized that I needed some time to actually reboot...restart...MAKE THINGS! So, I took two days off to do whatever I want.

This morning, I could have slept as late as I wanted, but I was naturally up at 7am. So, five mile run it is...then I decided to bake something and the day became a whirlwind from there: scones, stuffed mushrooms, zucchini and tomato casserole, banana ice cream, two bracelets, two tote bags...I AM BACK.

I now have projects and photos for several blog posts--regular posts starting tomorrow :)

Here's what I got up to today:

For tomorrow's Foodie Friday post: Maple Sugar Pecan Scones!

Picked veggies in the garden for dinner.

Made two grocery/gym bags from old t-shirts for
the Stitchy Saturday post.

Made a super fun owl bracelet for Metalwork Monday.

Lastly, made an awesome vegetarian dinner of onion/olive stuffed mushrooms,
zucchini/tomato casserole, and quinoa pilaf. YUM!

Metalwork Monday: Wibbly Wobbly Doctor Who Earrings

Okay, so it's out there. I am a geek of the highest order. 
I went to RIT (nerd central), I direct Shakespeare, I have my own Sonic Screwdriver.
True story.


This week is dedicated to my biggest nerd obsession: Doctor Who.
You're welcome.

I chose two types of washers, brass and copper. I also
chose two different fonts and two different
treatments.

After stamping, I painted alcohol ink onto "wibbly wobbly"
and liver of sulfur gel onto "timey wimey."

I used the dremel to sand of most of the ink and age the brass.
I brushed on the patina gel to make the copper look older.

Unfortunately, they don't go "ding" when there's stuff.

Metal Work Monday: Riveted Bird Cuff

So, another admission: I love Portlandia. Maybe a little too much...but when I was planning a theme for one of the busiest weeks of my year, they inspired me: birds. Yay! Bring on those chirpers and put a bird on it!


I had a challenging time with this first project. Initially, I was just going to connect separate pieces of metal with jump rings but that can be insecure. Then, I was going to re-purpose one of the straps of an old leather backpack. Nope-too thick for the snap or rivets. Okay, then I will try some thinner faux leather. The snap went on fine, but the rivets ripped right out. I had already done a cuff with pieces riveted to it, but thought that if I swapped the materials and did a few different techniques than the lace cuff that it would be okay. I have to say that I am pretty pleased. 

The embossing die that I used on several smallish pieces of aluminum.

I decided to use half with the embossing face up and half with
it face down. I then painted over all the pieces with an alcohol
dye for metals. I sanded over all with the sanding wheel
of my dremel. Not only did is strip off some dye, I gave the
pieces yet another texture.

I cut a six-inch long strip of 20 gauge copper.

After rounding the corners and sanding the edges, I decided
to texture the entire piece with my chasing hammer.
This was the longest, most tiring part of the process.

I applied a thin layer of liver of sulfur patina gel to it
 (after hammering) with a flux brush.

I am super-pleased with the base.

I added the aluminum bird plaques with rivets.
I used a combo of silver and copper.

I added four--two of each type to the center plaque and
then alternated in both color and layout.

I like the combination of both substantial and dainty.